Posted on February 9, 2026
By Brenno Carillo, Daytona Beach News-Journal
Getting funding for Flagler County’s beach restoration plan has been a constant battle for local officials over the past few years.
That’s why officials are celebrating the news of a $4.7-million contribution from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, made this week to Flagler County.
In a press release, the county said that the money “will serve as a significant portion of the funding needed” for the second phase of its beach restoration effort, also referred to as “Reach 2,” which is set to begin this summer.
Flagler County Chair Leann Pennington said the award “strengthens our ability to restore and protect one of our community’s most vulnerable and valued assets, our coastline.”
How does FEMA’s $4.7 million help Flagler’s beach restoration?
The county’s Beach Management Plan, adopted in October 2023 after hurricanes Ian and Nicole, “is focused on restoring and maintaining a healthy beach and dune system through periodic beach nourishment to benefit the community at large,” according to the county’s website.
The FEMA award to Flagler County comes from the agency’s Public Assistance program’s “Category G,” which “supports permanent work to repair and restore public infrastructure damaged during federally declared disasters,” according to the county.
Reach 2 extends from North Seventh Street to the Hammock Dunes area in unincorporated Flagler County (approximately 5.5 miles) and aims to “reinforce dune structures, enhance storm protection, and improve the overall resilience of the shoreline,” according to the county.
It is estimated to cost $32 million, which will be funded by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection recovery fund grant (post-hurricanes Ian and Nicole), as well as FEMA money.
Long-term maintenance for Reach 2 is projected to cost $4,506,800 per year at 50% FDEP funding and 50% from the county.
