Sheriff Chitwood declares Special Event Zone ahead of unsanctioned Truck Meet.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

To prepare for another upcoming unpermitted pop-up event this weekend in Volusia County, Sheriff Mike Chitwood has implemented a Zero-Tolerance Special Event Zone on the beachside peninsula beginning Friday, June 16, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

The designated zone will include the following areas: 

• A1A from Plaza Boulevard, South to Dunlawton Ave - including the beach.
• West on Dunlawton Ave to South Peninsula Drive until it turns into North Halifax Drive
• North to Peninsula Boulevard, then East on Plaza Boulevard to A1A

Signage throughout the "special event zone" was placed by 9 a.m. Thursday morning and enforcement measures will lift once the event concludes.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the three individuals promoting the unsanctioned “Daytona Truck Meet 2023” via social media were identified, contacted, and advised of the ramifications of a disruptive, unpermitted event as it strains public safety resources, interferes with traffic flow, and jeopardizes the public's welfare.

A Florida law was passed in 2022 granting a sheriff or chief administrative officer of a County or Municipality the authority to designate an area as a special event zone in response to unpermitted activities or events, defined as gatherings of 50 or more people that significantly disrupt the normal flow of traffic on roadways, streets, or highways, and are organized and promoted through social media platforms.

The law entails several key provisions:

• The statutory fine for any noncriminal traffic infraction within a "special event zone" will be doubled.
• Law enforcement officers are empowered to impound vehicles for up to 72 hours in the case of noncriminal traffic infractions or criminal traffic violations within a "special event zone."
• Occupancy limits within a "special event zone" can be enforced by law enforcement officers.
• Organizers or promoters of special events are liable for the costs associated with designating and enforcing special event zones.