After Hurricanes Ian, Nicole and Milton, the City of Daytona Beach Shores saw its street flooding get worse. In June 2026, the city announced a new tool to fight it.
What the city is getting
The city received $375,000 in state funding for a Vac-Con mobile stormwater unit, and is matching it for a total investment of $750,000. The unit clears debris, sand and blockages out of underground drainage pipes using soft digging, which the city says protects the utilities buried around them.
The city credited State Senator Tom Wright and State Representative Chase Tramont for sponsoring the funding, which Governor Ron DeSantis approved.
Why it matters
On a barrier island, sand is a constant problem for drains. Storms push sand and debris into the system, and once pipes are partly blocked, even an ordinary afternoon storm can leave water standing in the street. By restoring drainage capacity, the city expects to reduce localized flooding across the community. The new unit is part of a citywide Stormwater Master Plan that is looking at the drainage system, identifying flood-prone areas and planning for sea level rise.
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Questions and answers
What is a Vac-Con unit?
A truck-mounted vacuum and water-jet system that clears debris, sand and blockages out of underground stormwater pipes.
How much does the Daytona Beach Shores project cost?
$750,000 in total: $375,000 in state funding matched by the city.
Why has flooding in Daytona Beach Shores gotten worse?
The city says flooding problems intensified after Hurricanes Ian, Nicole and Milton.
This article is general information drawn from the sources listed below. It is not professional, legal, insurance or restoration advice. DIY-DRY is an equipment rental company.
Sources
- City of Daytona Beach Shores, “State Funding Approved for Critical Stormwater Infrastructure Investment,” June 29, 2026 – dbshores.org