VSO Sets Up Special Event Zone for ‘Orange Crush’ in Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is trying to get out in front of potential disorder and mayhem at this weekend’s ‘Orange Crush’ event in Daytona, having outlined a special event zone where the festivities are expected to take place. The VSO is acting under the authority of a state law passed in 2022 which authorizes the creation of special event zones where local law enforcement can act with zero tolerance and impose increased fines. The zone takes effect at 3:00 pm on Friday, and will continue as long as the VSO deems it is necessary to ensure public health and safety. A look at Orange Crush’s social media outlets reveals the event to be a general gathering for partying, dancing, and drinking. Organizers have met resistance at other stops on their tour, having recently accused police officers in Tybee Island, Georgia, of racial discrimination against them. In addition to the event zone, Sheriff Mike Chitwood wrote a letter to organizer George Turner urging him to cancel the event. “This unpermitted and unsanctioned event will disrupt the normal flow of traffic on the roadways and interfere with and jeopardize the public health, safety, and welfare of the persons who come into Daytona Beach for this unpermitted and unsanctioned event as well as the residents of Volusia County,” Chitwood said. “If the event is permitted and sanctioned with the municipality or county authorities, Volusia Sheriff’s Office will be happy to work with you, the promoter and organizer of this event, to ensure that everybody has an enjoyable and safe time while protecting the public health and safety and welfare of the community.” The areas affected by the special event zone were laid out in a map by the VSO, outlining an area that stretches from Ormond Beach to Port Orange. It is relegated to the barrier island east of the Intracoastal Waterway.