Daytona Beach Sought Proposals for Boardwalk Redevelopment
The city has launched a new search for developers to revitalize the vacant South Ocean Avenue site.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Theme Parks
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Daytona Beach city officials have issued a formal request for proposals to transform a vacant property located on South Ocean Avenue. The initiative aims to recruit developers to introduce new attractions to the boardwalk, which has been without amusement rides for the past decade.
Why it matters
Local leaders are actively seeking to boost tourism and increase pedestrian activity along the popular beachfront area. By soliciting new development plans, the city hopes to restore the entertainment appeal that has been missing from the shoreline for years.
The city contacted 3,000 potential bidders regarding the site on South Ocean Avenue. The boardwalk currently maintains a decade-long vacancy in terms of amusement ride operations.
The players
Daytona Beach City Commission
This is the governing body responsible for overseeing local policy, infrastructure projects, and the economic development of city-owned properties.
The details
City commissioners are currently tasked with recruiting a firm capable of recommending new attractions and facilitating developer partnerships. After the upcoming submission deadline, the commission will evaluate all received plans to determine the best path forward for local redevelopment.
Timeline
The boardwalk has lacked amusement rides for the last 10 years.
The deadline for submitting redevelopment proposals is October 27, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This effort represents a significant shift from the long-term inactivity that has plagued the boardwalk since the 2012 expiration of the Daytona Beach amusement ride contracts. The project reflects a broader trend of coastal cities redeveloping legacy entertainment zones to compete for modern tourist spending.
Residents and tourists should expect potential future construction activity in the South Ocean Avenue area as the city moves toward selecting a developer. While there is no immediate change to current beachfront access, the project aims to eventually provide new recreational amenities for visitors to enjoy.
The takeaway
The city is making a concerted effort to reverse a decade of stagnant development on its most famous stretch of coast. Successful revitalization could eventually restore the boardwalk's status as a primary destination for regional entertainment.
What happens next
City commissioners will begin reviewing all submitted proposals after the October 27, 2026, deadline to decide how to proceed with the boardwalk redevelopment.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Theme Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 35 Orlando.
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