Trending Now - Florida Spring Break Faces Chaos as Police Implement New Tactics
WHO:
Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Sheriff's Office
Daytona Beach Commissioner Stacy Cantu
Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Sheriff's Office
Daytona Beach Commissioner Stacy Cantu
Volusia County, Florida
WHAT:
Sheriff Chitwood stated, "Spring Break Invasion promoters are on notice. We're coming after you financially for the costs your chaos brings to our community."
Approximately 17 minors were processed at the Volusia County Family Resource Center, with several parents notified to pick them up due to intoxication.
Sheriff Chitwood reported 20 encounters where deputies questioned individuals carrying open containers, and those individuals voluntarily disclosed they had firearms.
More than 100 arrests made during the first weekend of spring break, totaling 133 arrests.
84 arrests in Daytona Beach and 49 in New Smyrna Beach.
Six guns seized, including two from one adult and a stolen gun from a juvenile.
Authorities declared a special event zone from March 20th, 2026, at 11 a.m. until at least March 22nd, 2026.
Sheriff Chitwood stated, "We're coming after you financially for the costs your chaos brings to our community."
Sheriff Chitwood reported that there were zero gunshots on the beach, attributing panic to people crushing water bottles.
WHERE:
Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Florida.
The special event zone is specifically in Daytona Beach.
WHEN:
March 17th, 2026 - Sheriff Chitwood's news conference where he addressed the situation.
March 17th, 2026 - Sheriff Chitwood's news conference.
March 16th, 2026 - Total arrests reported during the first weekend of spring break.
March 20th, 2026, at 11 a.m. - Start of the special event zone.
WHY:
Sheriff Chitwood explained that large gatherings organized on social media can "endanger public safety" and strain community resources, including emergency medical services and trash cleanup.
Large gatherings organized through social media are deemed unsafe and endanger public safety.
The sheriff's office aims to penalize promoters of unsanctioned events to mitigate chaos and strain on community resources.
HOW:
Authorities have sent two cease-and-desist letters to event promoters and plan to sue if they do not comply with regulations regarding unsanctioned events.
Authorities are sending cease-and-desist letters to event promoters and plan to sue if they do not comply.
Enhanced penalties will be enforced during the special event zone for traffic violations and other infractions.
(UPDATED March 18, 2026 23:11 UTC)
During a news conference on March 17, Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced that promoters of the Spring Break Invasion are on notice, stating they will be held financially responsible for the chaos their events cause in the community. He reported that around 17 minors were processed for intoxication, and deputies had 20 encounters with individuals carrying open containers, some of whom voluntarily disclosed they had firearms. To address the public safety concerns stemming from large gatherings organized on social media, authorities have issued cease-and-desist letters to event promoters and are prepared to take legal action if they do not comply with regulations.
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(UPDATED March 18, 2026 13:26 UTC)
In Volusia County, Florida, Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced that over 100 arrests were made during the first weekend of spring break, with 84 in Daytona Beach and 49 in New Smyrna Beach, along with the seizure of six guns. Authorities will establish a special event zone in Daytona Beach starting March 20 at 11 a.m. to address safety concerns related to large gatherings organized through social media, and they plan to enforce enhanced penalties for traffic violations and other infractions during this period. Sheriff Chitwood emphasized the need to hold event promoters accountable, stating, "We're coming after you financially for the costs your chaos brings to our community."