Video: News briefing identifying Spring Break Invasion promoters; Special Event Zone announced

Date Added: March 17, 2026 6:06 pm

Spring Break Invasion promoters are on notice. We're coming after you financially for the costs your chaos brings to our community. Also, a special event zone with enhanced penalties will be in effect in Daytona Beach for your next chaotic pop-up event. Watch this video for more info, Q&A, and details on some of the promoters causing the destruction of the place we call home. -Sheriff Mike Chitwood

Special Event Zone information:

I, Michael J. Chitwood, Sheriff of Volusia County, pursuant to Sections 316.1891 and 316.008, Florida Statutes, reasonably anticipate that an unpermitted special event including fifty (50) or more persons will take place or is taking place and the unpermitted special event will substantially increase or disrupt the normal flow of traffic on the roadway, street or highway or is currently increasing or disrupting the normal flow of traffic on the roadway, street or highways of Volusia County.

Wherefore, by the statutory authority vested in me, under Sections 316.008 and 316.1891, Florida Statutes, I, Michael J. Chitwood, Sheriff, hereby designate a Special Event Zone for the following roadway, street, or highway in Volusia County, Florida. The special event zone is the area bounded by AlA from University Boulevard south to Silver Beach Avenue, including the beach approaches, then west on Silver Beach Avenue to South Peninsula Drive, then north on South Peninsula Drive until East International Speedway Boulevard, then west on East International Speedway Boulevard until South Halifax Avenue, then north on South Halifax Avenue until it turns into North Halifax Avenue, then north on North Halifax Ave until University Boulevard, then east on University Boulevard until A1A.

Legible warning signs with the following language "Special Event Zone - All Fines Doubled. Vehicles Subject to Impoundment for Traffic Infractions and Violations" were posted at each point of ingress or egress of the Special Event Zone on March 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Enforcement in the Special Event Zone will begin on March 20, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (No less than 24 hours after posting signs)

STRICT LAW ENFORCEMENT IN SPECIAL EVENT ZONE

Criminal and civil laws will be STRICTLY enforced in the Special Event Zone. There will be zero tolerance for violations in the Special Event Zone. It is a noncriminal traffic infraction for a person operating or occupying a vehicle on a street or highway to operate or amplify the sound produced by a radio, tape player, compact disc player, portable music or video player, cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop computer, stereo, television, musical instrument, or other mechanical or electronic sound making device or instrument, which emanates a sound from within a motor vehicle which is plainly audible at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet or more from the motor vehicle or is louder than necessary for the convenient hearing by persons inside the vehicle in areas adjoining private residences, churches, schools, or hospitals. Enforcement will be in a manner that causes the least inconvenience to the public and is consistent with preserving the public health, safety and welfare.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS IN SPECIAL EVENT ZONE

Any person who commits a crime in the Special Event Zone is subject to arrest.

FINES DOUBLED: Any person who commits a noncriminal traffic infraction in the Special Event Zone must pay a fine DOUBLE the amount provided for in Chapter 318, Florida Statutes.

VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT: A person who commits a noncriminal traffic infraction or a criminal traffic violation will have his/her vehicle impounded for a period not to exceed seventytwo (72) hours. Any impounded vehicle will be released immediately upon the payment of all impoundment costs and fees at an off-site impoundrnent location. If the impounded vehicle is a rented or leased vehicle the person renting or leasing the vehicle must pay the impoundment fees and costs unless the noncriminal traffic infraction or criminal charge is dismissed. The impounded vehicle is also subject to Section 713. 78, Florida Statutes.

ENFORCEMENT OF OCCUPANCY LIMITS WITHIN SPECIAL EVENT ZONE

If deemed necessary to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare, occupancy limits on private or public property in the Special Event Zone shall be enforced.

PROMOTERS AND ORGANIZERS OF SPECIAL EVENT LIABLE FOR PAYMENT OF COSTS AND FEES

A promoter or organizer is any person or entity who arranges, orgamzes, or sponsors an unpermitted special event. Any promoter or organizer of the unpermitted special event shall be liable for all costs and fees associated with designating and enforcing the Special Event Zone. The costs and fees include but are not limited to, costs and fees for the provision of supplemental law enforcement, firefighter, emergency medical technician or paramedic, and sanitation services. Sheriff shall recover all costs and fees associated with designating and enforcing the Special Event Zone from every promoter or organizer of the unpermitted special event.

DURATION OF THE SPECIAL EVENT DESIGNATION

The Special Event Zone shall remain in effect as long as is reasonably necessary to ensure the public health, safety and welfare but will not remain in effect after the unpermitted special event dissipates.