Latest news with #DaytonaBeach
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
2 injured in Daytona Beach crash after car drives into woods, officials say
The Brief Two people were injured after a car accident that took place on Saturday afternoon in Daytona Beach. The accident caused a car to travel 50 yards from the road and into the woods. The two people injured were taken to the hospital, with one of those patients declared a trauma alert. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Two people were injured after a car accident that caused a vehicle to travel 50 yards from the road and into the woods on Saturday afternoon in Daytona Beach, officials say. What we know Just before noon on Saturday, Daytona Beach Fire Department (DBFD) units responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Tomoka Farms Road and Dunn Avenue. When crews arrived at the scene of the accident, they found an SUV approximately 50 yards from the road in the woods. Officials say one person was trapped inside. Firefighters immediately stabilized the vehicle and began extrication and patient care. Two patients were taken to the hospital by Volusia County EMS. Officials say one of those patients was declared a trauma alert. What we don't know The identities of the two people in the car accident and their current medical status have not yet been released. Investigators have not yet shared any details on what led to the crash. What's next The Daytona Beach Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. The FOX 35 News team has reached out to authorities for more information. This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Daytona Beach Fire Department (DBFD) in a social media post on May 31, 2025.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
No-nonsense sheriff confronts man who threatened to kill him
A no-nonsense Florida sheriff confronted a man who has been charged with threatening to assassinate him and demanded to know why he wants him dead. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood went toe-to-toe with Matthew Moulton, 45, following his arrest in Washington state. Moulton sent Chitwood an unhinged email accusing him of proliferating ' AI child porn' after the sheriff threatened to publish delinquent children's mugshots, court documents state. He then allegedly told the law enforcement officer, 'I'm going to have to threaten you with death'. Police in Florida said they traced Moulton's email address and contacted the College Place Police Department in Washington. He was arrested on March 31 and extradited all the way to Volusia County, where he is being prosecuted for a felony charge of written threats to kill or do bodily injury. His extradition last has made waves after Chitwood decided to confront Moulton as he was escorted through Daytona Beach International Airport last week. 'Matthew, I'm Sheriff Chitwood. I'm the guy you want to kill, and there's nothing I can do about it. Challenge accepted,' Chitwood taunted. Moulton told the sheriff he'd merely sent him a Bible verse from Romans 5, but Chitwood was undeterred. 'You do know in Florida, a written threat to kill is a felony. You know that, right?' the sheriff asked. 'Just so you know, I'm the one who made sure you came back, and I hope you enjoy your stay at the branch jail.' In a raspy voice, Moulton said Chitwood 'violated his federal rights'. 'I will also tell you that you will not see Mickey Mouse on this trip, and you have to reimburse us for your flight here and for your stay at the at the county jail,' Chitwood said, talking over the suspect. Chitwood then asked him to 'look me in the eye and tell me why you want me dead.' Moulton did not directly answer, but began ranting about Christianity and telling the sheriff he wasn't a Christian. Chitwood argued back and insisted he is a Christian. 'OK, we're going to take you where you need to go. We will make sure the cell has rubber in it,' the sheriff said as Moulton was shown climbing into the back of a police car. Moulton first contacted Chitwood after the sheriff announced his new policy regarding children's mugshots, according to court documents. In the email authorities claim was authored by Moulton, he leveled wild accusations at Chitwood involving AI child porn. 'Do you know what the Internet does with the images of children you expose? They put them into AI and make child porn out of them. They post them on 4Chan,' the email said. During a September press conference, Chitwood raged at underage students who had either brought guns to schools or had made written threats. 'Since parents, you don't want to raise your kids, I'm gonna start raising them. Every time we make an arrest, your kid's photo is gonna be put out there. And if I could do it, I'm gonna perp walk your kid, so that everybody can see what your kid's up to,' he said. Chitwood made good on that promise right away, posting a video of his deputies perp walking an 11-year-old boy who allegedly had a kill list and threatened to shoot up two schools. The boy, Carlo 'Kingston' Dorelli, was also found to be in possession of a large cache of weapons, though they appeared to be fake. Police said they found airsoft rifles, fake ammunition, swords, knives and throwing stars in his bedroom. Tyler Meyer, 32, also threatened Chitwood. He would later plead no contest and was forced to reimburse the sheriff's department for the costs it incurred to extradite him from California to Florida Officials also allegedly found a paper in his room with several names that appeared to have stab marks next to them. 'He had written a list of names and targets,' Chitwood said at the time. 'He says it was all a joke.' Moulton is current in jail on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on June 19, 2025. His arrest report also mentions Moulton's account on GAB, which is marketed as a free-speech social media platform. His account contains several bizarre posts, including one where he is holding a black, patterned knife that has a cross dangling from the blade. Since his legal troubles began, Moulton also shared his GiveSendGo page that is supposed to raise money for his defense. The page, which he titled 'Our Rights Have Been Crucified', has pulled in just one donation of $25 from one of his friends on GAB. Moulton's goal is to raise $1 million. Chitwood, sheriff of Volusia County since 2017, is no stranger to death threats. Since 2023, he has been on the receiving end of threats from seven different men spread all over the country. At least three avid users of 4chan, a social media site known for hosting neo-Nazis, were charged in 2023 after threatening to kill him. Chitwood has long been an outspoken critic of hate groups, especially ones that espouse anti-semitism. The men who made threats were described as Nazi sympathizers by authorities. They include 40-year-old Richard Golden of New Jersey, 32-year-old Tyler Meyer of California, 25-year-old Cristhian Zapata, and Tony Stromberg of Canada. All three men pleaded no contest and were forced to pay several thousand dollars to reimburse the sheriff's department for the cost of their extradition. Golden also spent 366 days in prison after he was sentenced on December 1, 2023. Three other men have also made death threats against Chitwood since 2023, including one man from Alberta, Canada, who allegedly said he would kill the sheriff and his family members.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Jellyfish sting nearly 100 beachgoers in Daytona Beach over holiday weekend
The Brief Nearly 100 people were stung by jellyfish during Memorial Day weekend in Daytona Beach. Officials urge caution but say most stings are minor and treatable on-site. Despite warnings, beachgoers largely stayed in the water to enjoy the holiday. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Nearly 100 people were stung by jellyfish along Daytona Beach over the Memorial Day weekend, prompting warnings from local officials and beach safety crews. What we know Over Memorial Day weekend, 99 people were stung by jellyfish along Daytona Beach, according to Volusia County Beach Safety officials. The majority of stings were mild, though some individuals required hospital treatment. Jellyfish were spotted both in the surf and along the sand. Beach crews are responding by treating stings with vinegar and advising caution. What we don't know Officials have not identified the specific species of jellyfish responsible for the stings, nor have they indicated whether this sudden surge is tied to seasonal patterns or unusual ocean conditions. It also remains unclear whether more stings may occur in the coming days, or if additional safety measures will be implemented. The backstory Daytona Beach is a popular Memorial Day destination, often drawing large crowds. In past years, beach safety teams have responded to hundreds of water rescues during this weekend. While rescues dropped to 35 this year, jellyfish stings emerged as a new concern, shifting the focus of beach safety efforts. The stings highlight the unpredictable nature of beach safety hazards. While rip currents typically dominate safety advisories, marine life can present unexpected risks—even on high-traffic weekends like Memorial Day. Yellow flags remain in place, alerting visitors to moderate water risks. What they're saying Volusia County Beach Safety Deputy Chief AJ Miller said beachgoers should stay alert but not overly alarmed. "We've pulled out 35 people yesterday and Saturday from the water," he said. "We have jellyfish in the area. Just between Saturday and Sunday, we had 99 people stung by jellyfish." Deputy Miller said it's important to pay attention. "You can see them if you're really watching," Miller said, "But then you're going to spend your whole day staring at the water and not enjoying the day." "It's a minor concern," said Brian Thatcher, a Jacksonville resident. "Everybody's trying to have a good time, go back to work tomorrow, so you got to do something to enjoy." What you can do Visitors are encouraged to seek help from lifeguards if stung; vinegar is available for treatment at beach stations. Those with allergies to insect stings are urged to be especially cautious, as they may be more sensitive to jellyfish venom. Despite the stings, most beachgoers were undeterred, soaking up the sun and surf before heading back to work. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Volusia County Beach Safety, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and visitors to Daytona Beach on May 26, 2025.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Daytona Beach sees fewer rescues needed this Memorial Day weekend
Thousands of people spent their Memorial Day weekend soaking up the sun and surf at Florida's beaches. Volusia beach safety had extra lifeguards working to make sure those beachgoers stayed safe. As far as recues go, this year was a slow one. Beach safety made 35 rescues Saturday and Sunday combined. Some holiday weekends can se hundreds of rescues in a day. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer. That means big crowds at the beaches. Those busy days aren't relaxing for the people tasked with patrolling it. From Daytona Beach's big, red towers to the bright red trucks, lifeguards could be seen working every section of it. 'We actually have more than double our staff this year than from last year,' said Capt. Stephen Canfield. Canfield said more than 80 lifeguards worked at various Volusia County beaches Monday. He said they often make the most recues when ocean conditions are calm. While he said that wasn't the case this year, he's still pushing the same message going into the busy summer months that even if the water looks calm, make sure to swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower. He aid if you get caught in an undertow or get pulled underneath or in a rip current, try to swim parallel to the shore. Beachgoers said the lifeguards' presence gave them peace of mind as they enjoyed the sane and surf. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man arrested in Florida beach brawl as Volusia County deputies prepare for Memorial Day weekend
The Brief Volusia Beach Patrol anticipates record crowds and urges public caution. A DUI suspect was arrested after a reckless driving incident escalated into a fight. Police are increasing patrols and calling for respectful behavior on the sand. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Volusia County Beach Patrol is bracing for a surge in visitors, calling the holiday an "all hands on deck" operation. What we know As Memorial Day weekend nears, Volusia County Beach Patrol is preparing for major crowds across the coastline. Officials have declared the holiday period an "all hands on deck" operation and warned that both beaches and parking lots are expected to fill early each day. In the lead-up to the weekend, a beach incident turned violent when a man allegedly drove recklessly on the sand and got into a fight with a bystander. According to deputies, Kelvin Kelly, 34, of Umatilla, was seen performing donuts on the beach, apparently under the influence, and nearly hitting multiple people. He then confronted a man who attempted to stop him. The confrontation ended in a physical fight, which was caught on video by the bystander's daughter. What we don't know Authorities have not released information on Kelly's blood alcohol content or whether additional charges may be filed. It is also unclear whether any beachgoers sustained injuries during the incident, or if Kelly had a criminal record prior to this event. The exact timeline of how long Kelly was driving on the sand before the altercation also remains unclear. The backstory This incident unfolded just as officials began preparing for the influx of visitors traditionally drawn to Daytona Beach during Memorial Day weekend. A man accused of driving erratically along a crowded stretch of Daytona Beach and then engaging in a fistfight with a bystander was arrested May 15, according to an arrest affidavit from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said they responded to reports of a dark-colored pickup truck performing donuts and fishtailing dangerously close to beachgoers near the Silver Beach Approach around 2:37 p.m. Lifeguards followed the vehicle as it traveled southbound before it came to a stop near the 1400 block of South The Beach. As a deputy approached, several beachgoers pointed to the truck, and the deputy arrived to find two men in a physical altercation. The fight broke up as the deputy arrived, and both individuals were separated. Investigators said one of the men confronted another in an attempt to stop his reckless behavior on the busy beach. Instead, the driver allegedly exited his vehicle and charged at the man in a fighting stance. The two exchanged punches, an incident that was recorded. The man declined to press charges against the driver. The deputy interviewed the driver, who denied reckless behavior, but the deputy noted that he appeared intoxicated or under the influence of an unknown narcotic, making the interview difficult. Deputies ultimately arrested Kelvin Kelly, 34, of Umatilla, for disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence after he refused to comply with commands and resisted efforts to be handcuffed. Multiple deputies were required to take him into custody. Kelly was taken to Halifax Health for medical clearance before being transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. Big picture view The confrontation has spotlighted the tensions that can arise in crowded public spaces, especially during high-traffic holiday weekends. Beach Patrol and local deputies are reinforcing their presence to maintain order. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
