Pop Up Events Bill Heads To Florida Senate

Daytona Beach, FL – Pop up events and “invasion style” gatherings will be under more scrutiny if a certain House bill survives the Senate floor. HB 1435—introduced by Rep. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach)—made it through the state House on it’s 3rd reading 90-26. If passed, the bill will help county sheriffs conduct more effective enforcement when it comes to large, unpermitted events.  With the bill, sheriffs would be able to set up a designated zone if a gathering is promoted on social media, attended by more than 50 individuals and disrupts street traffic. Authorities will also have the power to double fine amounts for noncriminal traffic citations committed within the zone. They may also enforce occupancy limits and impound vehicles for up to 72 hours for traffic infractions. Locally, the bill picked up steam after a number of community leaders met to discuss what needed to be done about unsanctioned events. At one Daytona Beach City Commission meeting, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young spoke to city leaders and said they needed to address Daytona “Truck Meet,” which caught flak from residents and law enforcement over the numerous traffic violations and arrests that occurred.  According to Young, during one past Truck meet style event in Daytona, the police department spent over $170,000 on mandatory overtime as he had no choice but to cancel some officers’ days off.  “How much can you do with 300 cops when you’re dealing with 50,000 people?” said Young. One bill opponent, Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando), believes the bill is really an extension of last year’s “anti-riot” bill. She fears the bill may negatively impact young people, communities of color and demonstrators. However, Leek said the bill has no connection to HB 1, the anti-riot bill, and has nothing to do with protests. The next stop for the bill is the floor of the state Senate.