As the recovery from two major storms continues along the coastlines of Florida, visitors at the world's most famous beach are starting to return to Volusia County.

“My grandfather used to drive the big Winnebago down to the beach,” smiled Will Stephens. Stephens has been taking trips to Daytona Beach ever since he was a child.

Some of his best memories growing up are from right along the coastline. It’s why he’s grateful to show his four daughters a place he loves.

“I had no clue when I came down here if the beach was going to be open or not,” Stephens explained. In the most recent visit from his hometown in Georgia, he can’t help but feel a bit disappointed as he takes in his surroundings.

Shattered sea walls and broken beach access ramps are everywhere he looks.

It’s something Stephens says he’s never seen in all his years of traveling to Daytona Beach. “I’m pretty surprised at how torn up it is,” he said.

According to Volusia County, the impact on county-managed beach property and access points alone is estimated at over $30 million in damages. Several beach ramps and driving zones remain closed for now. Residents like Kenrick Flowers say it’s heartbreaking to see how much of a hit the beach has taken.

“We miss our beach,” Flowers said.

For 25 years, Flowers has called the city home. Although he’s hurt to see the coastline in its current condition, he says he’s been happy with the cleanup process.

“This is what we need to survive, so we just gotta keep it up,” sighed Flowers. While repairs continue, the county is working with the state, FEMA, and other agencies to help with that process.

As for visitors like Stephens, he’s heading back home soon and says he’s just grateful he got the chance to visit the beach before he left. “But I do wish there were more people,” he said. “I wish there were a little bit more place to enjoy it, but I’m hoping it’ll get back to that.”