Sheriff Chitwood cracks down on unsanctioned 'Orlando Invades Daytona' event.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has taken a firm stance on the "Orlando Invades Daytona" event, which has been making rounds on social media and scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, by sending cease-and-desist letters to two event promoters. The letters warn that any unauthorized and unpermitted events will face strict enforcement of all laws, with enhanced penalties.

After receiving the letter, one promoter identified as Keairra Gardner, also known as "Keerichy," promptly ceased advertising the Daytona Beach event. However, a second promoter, Reginald Bulger II, also known as "DJ Wavy," has continued to promote a similar event called "Beach Day" scheduled from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Daytona Beach.

Sheriff Chitwood's letter explicitly stated that hosting an unpermitted and unsanctioned event places an undue strain on the already burdened resources of Volusia County, including law enforcement, medical services, firefighters, and beach safety personnel. Additionally, these events disrupt traffic flow and pose health, safety, and well-being risks to the attendees and the local community.

“This is not the professional or legal way to promote an event which does not burden a county’s resources and is safe and enjoyable for all," Sheriff Chitwood said in the cease-and-desist letter.

In 2022, the State implemented a new law as a response to the rise of disruptive pop-up events in Florida, such as "Trucktoberfest" and "Orlando Invades Daytona," which grants the Sheriff's Office the authority to designate specific areas where law enforcement will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all violations, resulting in doubled fines and impoundment of violating vehicles for up to 72 hours.

Sheriff Chitwood has previously utilized this law to address pop-up truck events in June and October 2022 and the recently advertised "Orange Crush 2K23" event scheduled for earlier this month. However, thanks to the cease-and-desist letter, the "Orange Crush" event never came to fruition.