Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood says his officers will “impound vehicles” and “enforce all laws” in light of an “unpermitted and unsanctioned” beach party event that is occupying Daytona Beach this weekend.
On Thursday, Sheriff Chitwood designated a Special Event Zone in anticipation of this weekend’s Orange Crush event, which he says is “potentially disruptive.”
Orange Crush is an annual beach party and networking event that takes place at various locations across the southeastern United States. Last weekend, events were held in Georgia and South Carolina. This weekend, the event series will occupy parts of Daytona Beach from May 5 through May 7.
In Chitwood’s letter to the promoter of the event, George Turner III, the Sheriff states that the festivities will put “an unreasonable strain on the already burdened law enforcement, medical, firefighter and beach safety resources of Volusia County.” He goes on to state that the event will “disrupt the normal flow of traffic” and “interfere with and jeopardize the public health, safety, and welfare of the persons who come into Dayton Beach.”
In his letter, Chitwood made multiple references to the event as being “unpermitted and unsanctioned,” and urged the event organizers to “cease and desist” from “organizing and promoting” it.
Chitwood says his officers will “enforce all laws, state and local, to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare of all.” He says they will have “zero tolerance for any violations, traffic or otherwise.”
“Volusia Sheriff’s Office will impound vehicles for traffic and criminal violations,” says Chitwood.
The Special Event Zone begins at 3 p.m. on Friday. During the designation, fines are doubled for noncriminal traffic infractions, and vehicles may be impounded for up to 72 hours. Limits on occupancy of public or private property may also be enforced.