Volusia Sheriff to promoters of beach takeover events: 'We are coming after you'
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - "We are coming after you financially."
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Tuesday that he wants promoters of unsanctioned, unpermitted social media events – sometimes called "takeovers" – to pay the costs that law enforcement incurs to manage these events, especially the ones that happen at Volusia County beaches.
"We're going to be the first county – and my attorneys are working on it now – we are coming after you financially. And if I could come after you criminally, I would. So, don't sit behind a keyboard in Georgia or Orlando or wherever and think you're going to do these truck events and these takeover events because it's not going to happen. There is a way to do business. Get permits and do things the right way."
RELATED: No shooting at Daytona Beach: Water bottles, not gunfire, sparked panic, sheriff says
Sheriff Chitwood said his agency has identified a couple of people promoting these events on social media and either has or plans to send them certified cease-and-desist letters.
Both Daytona Beach and Volusia County have special rules and procedures when it comes to holding events.
The backstory:
It comes as Spring Break begins in Florida, where thousands flock to the state to enjoy the sunshine and beaches.
Last weekend in Volusia County, massive crowds descended on Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. More than 130 people were arrested for various offenses. Most included speeding, underage drinking, marijuana use, the sheriff said.
Videos began to circulate rapidly on social media over the weekend alleging there was a shooting at the beach, causing massive crowds of people to sprint across the beach.
Volusia Sheriff on Daytona Beach: Water bottles, not gunfire, caused panic | Full speech
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Monday that there was no shooting at Daytona Beach over the weekend, where hundreds of people were celebrating Spring Break. He said people on the beach smashing water bottles may have sounded like gunfire, which caused panic and people to stampede across the beach. The Daytona Beach Police Department is investigating four shooting incidents that happened over the weekend with the City of Daytona Beach, though none happened at the beach itself, the sheriff said. More than 130 people were arrested at Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach last weekend, he said.
There was not a shooting on the beach, Sheriff Chitwood said during a Monday press conference. He said he and 50 of his deputies were on the beach dealing with the crowds.
He said kids smashing water bottles, which may have sounded like gunfire to some, caused the panic.
Daytona Beach Police investigating shooting incidents
The Daytona Beach Police Department issued a news release on Monday regarding four shooting incidents that it was investigating from over the weekend within the City of Daytona Beach. None occurred at the beach, according to the release.
Daytona Beach Mayor, City Manager issue statements
What they're saying:
Daytona Beach City Manager Deric C. Feacher released the following statement to FOX 35 on Tuesday:
"The City of Daytona Beach fully supports Sheriff Mike Chitwood’s implementation of a Special Event Zone in Daytona Beach.
As Volusia County’s chief law enforcement officer, Sheriff Chitwood has the authority to make decisions necessary to enhance public safety, and the city stands behind those efforts.
Daytona Beach’s elected officials and administration will always put the safety and quality of life of its residents and visitors at the forefront of their duties as public servants.
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young has already communicated with Sheriff Chitwood his support for the Special Event Zone and will assist in its enforcement.
Moving forward, I anticipate Sheriff Chitwood and Chief Young will make these decisions in the best interest of our community."
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry issued a statement Monday night on Facebook:
"This weekend many of us were deeply disturbed by the youth invasion event that took place in Daytona Beach. What happened was unacceptable and it disrupted the safety and peace that our residents, businesses, and visitors deserve.
Our staff is already working closely with our law enforcement partners to review what occurred and to determine what additional resources, tools, and strategies may be needed to better prepare for and respond to events that attempt to overwhelm or disrupt our community. Our priority is always the safety of the people who live here, work here, and visit our city.
It has been stated that it was requested by the sheriff that the area be designated as a special event district as a result of the planned takeover. I was not informed of any request to designate the area as a special district and would have been first in line to support the request.
This type of organized activity is a complex challenge faced by communities across the country not easily solved. But with continued resolve we will find a way to successfully curb these community takeovers."
The Source: Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood held news conferences on March 16 & 17, where he discussed Spring Break in Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, arrests, as well as his plans to target social media promoters of unlicensed, unpermitted events.