St. Johns County has reopened the Porpoise Point vehicular access ramp after completing its improvement project over a month ahead of schedule. To see a timelapse video to see the work completed in half a minute, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_R9Kj9qDQY.
The ramp initially closed for resiliency upgrades on Jan. 5 and was expected to reopen to vehicular access in May. Instead, the revamp was completed on budget by mid-April.
Visitors seeking access to Porpoise Point should use the designated vehicular ramp located at the corner of Genoa Road and Porpoise Point Drive in Vilano Beach. Due to soft sand, alternate vehicular access via Vilano Road over the Vilano jetty to Porpoise Point is currently suspended. As a result, Porpoise Point and Vilano Beach will not be connected for vehicular travel on the beach. Vehicular beach access at Vilano Beachfront Park (2752 Anahma Drive, St. Augustine) will be limited to 30 vehicles at a time to help manage conditions and ensure safety.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to safely navigate the sand at Porpoise Point. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, lifeguard towers will be staffed north of the jetty and in front of the Vilano ramp. Until then, the area will be monitored by patrols. There are no lifeguard stations at this location, as swimming in the inlet is not recommended. Visitors are encouraged to use nearby Vilano Beach, where staffed lifeguard towers provide a guarded swimming environment.
In alignment with sea turtle nesting season, beach access gates will begin closing nightly at 7:30 p.m. starting May 1 and will reopen each morning at 8 a.m. through Oct. 31. Do not approach or touch wildlife. If you encounter an injured marine animal, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922.
See the St. Johns County Beach Services page at sjcfl.us/departments/beaches for more information on beach access, beach driving passes and more.
