Volusia County

Deputies, police take extra precautions this weekend in Daytona Beach amid protests, events postponed

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies from Volusia, Seminole, St. Johns and Flagler counties along with Daytona Beach police will be on the beachside this weekend.

The massive response is due to events that happened two weeks ago that led to fights, a shooting and dozens of people in the street.

“I can promise you on Saturday, the law enforcement we have, a lot of resources that I don’t think people in Daytona Beach will have seen since the early 2000s later ’90s,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.

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A truck event and party for Saturday have been postponed, but police still expect people to show up. The possibility of protests also worries police.

Fencing has been put up to keep people out of the road and extra officers will be on hand.

Police will also try to limit traffic along State Road A1A and the crowds by the Daytona Beach bandshell and boardwalk.

If there’s a protest, Chitwood said deputies will be there to make sure the protesters are safe and it’s done peacefully.

“The minute it turns violent, we have to take sides, and the side will always be to protect the homeowner, protect the business owner, protect the property owner and protect our deputies,” Chitwood said.

Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com

Katlyn Brieskorn is a Digital Assignment Editor at WFTV. She joined Channel 9 in July 2019.

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