In most of the area where I live major development is on the inland side of the coastal road (usually US 1 or A1A). On the ocean side there is typically a wide beach with vegetation-covered dunes behind it, with no buildings. The dunes are protected habitat, with walkways over/through them to avoid damage to them. The beach, dunes, & roadway provide a buffer that helps protect the buildings on the inland side from storm surges.
In Daytona Beach, & on the barrier island, in Daytona Beach Shores, there are large buildings on the *ocean side* of the coastal road (A1A through Daytona Beach Shores), they're literally right on the edge of the beach, with nothing to protect the buildings from storm surges.
The first time I drove through Daytona Beach I was appalled. For hundreds of miles you can drive on US 1 (or A1A) & enjoy a beautiful view of the beach & ocean, it's a beautiful drive, but when you get to Daytona Beach your view of the ocean is obstructed by a wall of concrete. It's a row of condo buildings, many of which are 15-20+ stories tall. I'm sure developers made a killing selling "beachfront property," but to me it's irresponsible.
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