Jeep Beach 2022 attendees pour into Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, the city that hosts NASCAR and motorcycle events each year, is welcoming Jeep fans to town through next Sunday.They will be on the sand at various venues throughout the city. Jeep Beach is expected to bring 20,000 Jeeps and at least 200,000 people. At the event, all 50 states and 26 other countries are represented, according to Charlene Greer, a member of the Jeep Beach team. Charlene Greer has been at the wheel of Jeep Beach for nearly half a dozen years and says Jeep lovers come from all over the country and the world for this week. However, it is not just a gathering of motor fans. The nonprofit charity arm of Jeep Beach has donated $2.8 million to local charities since 2012.”We have the opportunity to not just make an economic impact in our community, but truly, the give-back power is everything,” Greer said. Jeep Beach is happening between seasons, so the economic boost could be big for restaurants and hotels. Officials noted 70 percent occupancy rates last year when COVID-19 still lingered. They expect an occupancy of over 70 percent for 2022.”Think in terms of jobs, local businesses thriving during this time and Jeep folks will come — they’ll experience it and they’ll come back,” a spokesperson for the Convention and Visitors Bureau said.Juan Montoya is back just enjoying the different types of jeeps you see and all that beach life.”Just enjoying the different types of jeeps you see and all that, just beach life,” Montoya said.”The camaraderie is beautiful. Everyone gets along with each other and we’re all to here to spread goodwill so-to-say,” Greer said. Jeep Beach relies on hundreds of volunteers to coordinate events throughout the city while they are here. Greer said it is a big family, or “jamily”, in the Jeep world.