New Smyrna Beach Police Chief gives Spring Break update.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

During the New Smyrna Beach City Commission meeting held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Interim Chief of Police Eric Feldman delivered an update on the enhanced law enforcement operations going on throughout the city during spring break as part of a mutual aid agreement between the New Smyrna Beach Police Department, Volusia County Sheriff's Office, and other municipal agencies.

According to Feldman's report, the police department has already issued 380 traffic citations, mainly on Flagler Avenue, since the operation started four days ago. In comparison, the department wrote 3,700 citations in 2022. Additionally, the police department made 31 arrests, half of which were felonies.

"Typically, what we are seeing are kids from out of town with narcotics and alcohol and, just a couple of hours ago, a 16-year-old with a handgun cruising around Flagler, and there was also narcotics in the car," said Feldman.

The Interim Chief of Police also reported that the department has successfully implemented preventative measures to set the tone in New Smyrna Beach.

“We’ve been able to set the tone early, which was our intention. So, as visitors come into town, they are met with what appears to be a gauntlet of very friendly officers."

Officers are out addressing minor inferences as visitors come into the city with loud music, those not wearing their seatbelts, or anyone speeding.

"I am happy to report we have not had a single issue past 10 p.m.,” Feldman said.

Feldman was proud to announce to the City Commission that the Police Department has not had to enforce the curfew for unaccompanied minors, which is in effect daily from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and legal holidays.

“People are asking us all day long about the curfew, and it is on the reader board signs as they come into town. By 10, or 10:30 p.m., it’s like a ghost town, said Feldman.

Other action items that were discussed during the March 14 City Commission meeting, include:

• $6,425 was awarded through the Community Redevelopment Agency grant for exterior foundation and wall repairs to The Church Parish Nurse Ministries, Inc. located at 699 West St.
• $75,496.50 contract was approved to Kynex, Inc. for the city’s 4th of July fireworks display, which is hosted annually at Riverside Park.
• Commissioners agreed on a $111,000 contract to Dredging and Marine Consultants for design, engineering, and construction administration and an application to the Florida Inland Navigation District to fund 50% ($560,000) of Phase I construction costs for North Causeway boat ramp improvements.