Beachgoers can once again drive onto the sand at Porpoise Point in Vilano Beach after St. Johns County completed a $524,000 resiliency and infrastructure improvement project designed to strengthen flood protection, improve traffic flow, and create a more durable long-term beach access point.
The county reopened the Porpoise Point Vehicular Beach Access Ramp in April following months of construction that included paving and striping the ramp, upgrading the gate and attendant booth, and installing a reinforced seawall system beneath the access point. The project, funded through a combination of state grant dollars and Tourist Development Tax funding, aims to better protect the surrounding Porpoise Point neighborhood from flooding and storm-related erosion while improving the overall experience for residents and visitors.
“The goal of this project was to strengthen the existing beach access point while also enhancing community resiliency,” said Corryn George, Public Works Project Manager for St. Johns County.
Before the upgrades, vehicles transitioned directly from the roadway onto the sand without a defined structure. Heavy rain, king tides, and storms routinely washed sand and water into nearby streets, forcing county crews to install temporary barriers and conduct extensive cleanup operations after severe weather events. Now, drivers entering the beach will notice a paved and striped entry system that creates clearer traffic patterns and safer movement for both beachgoers and Beach Services staff. The county also installed a concrete-encapsulated seawall beneath portions of the ramp. Officials say the system will help hold sand in place and minimize floodwater intrusion into the surrounding community.
“This area has historically required significant maintenance and storm response efforts during major weather events,” said Sammy McKinnon, Public Works Road and Bridge Superintendent for St. Johns County. “These improvements provide a much more durable long-term solution.”
County leaders say the project reflects a larger effort to protect coastal infrastructure while maintaining public access to one of St. Johns County’s most popular beach areas. “Our residents and visitors love St. Johns County’s beaches, and projects like this help preserve safe and reliable access to these important coastal spaces,” said Ryan Kane, Parks and Recreation Director for St. Johns County.
For visitors planning a trip to Porpoise Point, beach driving remains limited to four-wheel-drive vehicles only. Drivers should lower tire pressure before entering the sand and maintain slow speeds throughout the area to protect pedestrians, wildlife, and other beach traffic. Beach officials also encourage drivers to stay within designated driving lanes and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns that can damage the sand surface. During busy weekends and holidays, visitors should expect increased traffic entering and exiting the ramp.
Porpoise Point’s unique location near the St. Augustine Inlet creates strong currents and shifting sand conditions, so swimmers should remain aware of changing tides and water conditions. Families visiting the area often use the location for fishing, shelling, surfing, and sunset viewing because of its wide-open shoreline and proximity to the inlet. The vehicular beach access ramp is located at the corner of Genoa Road and Porpoise Point Drive in Vilano Beach.
St. Johns County officials say the improvements will reduce future maintenance costs, improve storm resiliency, and provide a safer and more reliable access point for years to come.
Residents and visitors can find additional information about beach driving passes, beach access points, and Beach Services operations through St. Johns County Beach Services. You can contact them at beaches@sjcfl.us or (904) 209-0331.
