NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – New Smyrna Beach Police are setting up a special event zone this weekend for an unsanctioned “Meet for Toyota Truck” event.
This comes a week after spring breakers were involved in multiple violations and crimes in Volusia County.
“Had a very long discussion with the chief deputy. They’re making 20 arrests per day,” said Vice Chair of the Volusia County Council Matt Reinhart.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office posted videos to social media showing some of those crimes, including a Daytona Beach shooting that left two 19-year-old victims with gunshot wounds.
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“We’re trying to revitalize that area; these types of activities don’t revitalize it. They scare people,” Reinhart stated.
This week, Volusia County leaders voted unanimously to discuss creating an ordinance to crack down on unsanctioned events.
“It’ll be a good idea because honestly, the kids are their own worst enemy. They’re a danger to themselves,” Andy Rock, a Volusia County resident, commented.
Adam Avellan, another resident, added, “A lot of people from out of state and out of the country come here because they want to enjoy it, so let’s keep it to where they can still have fun.”
We asked beachgoers about some of the ideas the council wants to consider, like limiting the number of people that can group together on the beach.
Rock responded, “Whenever you try to restrict people’s ability to stick together, that’s a potential problem for everybody.”
The council also mentioned increasing fines for children and their parents and adding a curfew.
“I don’t particularly disagree with curfew and increased fines for individuals that are gonna do something wrong. I mean, especially if it’s egregious,” said Avellan.
Nothing is set in stone yet. The council says they plan on working with New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and several other cities to get their input.
