DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – It’s going to be a hot but beautiful holiday weekend in Central Florida, so the beaches will be packed. But two coastal cities are alerting the public about events that will not be allowed.
Daytona Beach this week issued a public service announcement about heavy traffic, graduations and crowded beaches and also warned of possible pop-up events that could cause trouble.
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Police said two unsanctioned events -- “Beach Day” and a truck event in New Smyrna Beach that may make its way to Daytona Beach -- are expected to take place over Memorial Day weekend.
“We encourage residential, business, and graduation traffic to utilize the Main Street Bridge to access the beach side,” police said in a news release. “Main Street Bridge will be staffed with police personnel to manage traffic operations. All other traffic should use International Speedway Bridge, Oakridge Bridge, or the Orange Avenue Bridge.”
Daytona Beach police said the agency will be staffed to manage criminal and disruptive activity.
Meantime, Cocoa Beach posted on Facebook that it’s been made aware of an illegal event scheduled for Saturday called “Beach Day Party.”
Officials said the event is not permitted and fines will be doubled for traffic violations, including towing vehicles.
“This is an unpermitted event and is therefore illegal. The City Manager has established a Special Event Zone under Florida Statutes. This zone is from the North entrance of Cocoa Beach to the South entrance of Cocoa Beach,” the post said. “All traffic violations will be strictly enforced, and fines will be doubled. Any traffic violations can result in the towing and impoundment of vehicles. There will be STRICT ENFORCEMENT of all Florida Statutes and ordinances, including arrests as appropriate.”