Chaos at Daytona Beach Spring Break

Daytona Beach has seen a sudden surge of trouble during its spring break. A large, unofficial crowd gathered on the coast, and police struggled to keep order. Over the weekend, four separate shootings were reported, putting local law‑makers and officers on high alert. Video from a balcony at the Ocean Walk Resort shows people running while deputies rush to help. City officials said they are working closely with public safety agencies. Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood noted that while some teens were breaking water bottles, no shots had been fired in those moments. However, a clip that spread online captures chaos after several gunshots at about 11 p. m. on Main Street and N. Coates Street. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office said the Daytona Beach Police Department is still investigating each of the four incidents. The first, at 12:15 a. m. , involved a single gunshot inside a club on Seabreeze Avenue. A man became aggressive, women used mace, and the suspect fired again, causing patrons to flee. At 12:44 a. m. , an 18‑year‑old from Gainesville was shot near a parking lot on N. Nova Road while officers were on patrol. A 59‑year‑old Daytona Beach resident was injured at 10:47 p. m. on Kingston and Flanders after a verbal fight, with no suspect identified. The last case at 11:15 p. m. involved a brawl outside Cruisin Cafe on Atlantic Avenue; a 19‑year‑old from Atlanta was shot, and again no suspect was named.

In addition to these shootings, a South Daytona police officer was wounded on Sunday morning during a chase that ended in a crash on Interstate 95. The suspect, 31‑year‑old Todd Martin, suffered severe burns after a vehicle he hid in caught fire. The officer remains in critical condition but is reportedly doing well. Mayor Derrick Henry addressed the incidents on social media. He called the events “unacceptable” and stressed that safety for residents, businesses, and visitors is a top priority. The mayor said the city will work with law‑enforcement partners to assess what resources and strategies are needed for future events that could overwhelm the community. He added that such organized disruptions are a national challenge, but with determination they can be managed.

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