Latest news with #NewSmyrnaBeachPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police presence helps keep out the 'riffraff' in spring -break besieged New Smyrna Beach
Spring break was off to a busy yet relatively peaceful start as of Saturday afternoon in New Smyrna Beach, with a stepped-up police presence in the city along hotspots such as Flagler Avenue. Traffic was heavy, a decent-sized crowd of people walked along the busy street, and sunbathers and beachgoers enjoyed the warm temperatures and clear skies. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers were plentiful in the area, both on the beach and on the streets. The New Smyrna Beach Police Department had a mobile command center set up in a parking lot at the Flagler Avenue beach ramp. It wasn't the first time at spring break for Orlando residents Lucas Natali, 15, and Josh Rosenthal, who said he was "about 16." Rosenthal said he approached this year's events more cautiously after getting hit with traffic tickets last year. "Last year, I got over $700 worth of tickets," he said. "They're definitely heavy on the rules," Natali said. The two said they like to visit New Smyrna Beach to meet up with friends and enjoy the surroundings. "We're here for the whole weekend. We're just here to catch some vibes, catch some waves, get some tanning going," Rosenthal said. The New Smyrna Beach Police Department had made about 10 arrests and issued about 250 traffic citations over about 2 1/2 days of spring break through Saturday afternoon, according to Capt. Jason Reve. Reve said the arrests were relatively minor things such as drug possession, but no weapons violations. "Nothing involving any weapons or, you know, fighting, anything like that ― violence," Reve said. Last year, authorities arrested a 16-year-old after he pulled a gun out in a crowd of spring breakers on New Smyrna Beach. The city instituted a special event zone on Thursday in anticipation of "Senior Skip Day." It was only in effect that day, Reve said. Among other things, the law doubled the fine for noncriminal traffic infractions in the event zone. Anne Hamm, owner of the North Beach Surf Shack food truck, said she welcomes spring breakers who want to respectfully enjoy the city. She also said she welcomed the increased police presence, which seemed to be working. "I think, you know, the police presence is keeping some of the riffraff, so to speak, from ... showing up here, so I'm all for it," Hamm said. Reve said the police department has not changed its approach to the event this year compared to last year. The department is getting help from agencies across the county. Dozens of officers are in the Flagler Avenue area at any given time, not including the Volusia Sheriff's Office, he said. The goal is for people to enjoy themselves safely and respectfully. "We don't want the loud music and the revving engines and the peeling out of the tiers. Just come obey the laws and have a nice, safe trip and enjoy yourself," Reve said. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Spring break in New Smyrna Beach brings big police presence
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police investigating gas station shooting between 'familiar' rival motorcycle gangs in Volusia County
The Brief The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is actively investigating a shooting between what they say are "familiar" rival motorcycle gangs in Volusia County. The shooting took place earlier today at a RaceTrac gas station in the 3000 block of State Road 44, reports show. Two people were injured in the shooting, officials confirmed. Police said the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening. Officials are asking the public to avoid the area at this time. The incident currently remains an active investigation. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is actively investigating a shooting between what they say are "familiar" rival motorcycle gangs. The shooting took place during daylight hours at a gas station in a well-populated area of Volusia County. What we know The shooting took place earlier today in the 3000 block of State Road 44 at a RaceTrac, reports show. Chris Kirk, interim police chief for the New Smyrna Police Department, said the shooting happened when a fight broke out between the gangs near the gas station's air pumps. Two people were injured in the shooting, officials confirmed. However, police said the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening. Kirk said the gangs fled from the gas station before law enforcement arrived. Kirk stated that the police department is already familiar with both of the rival biker gangs. Police have confirmed the motorcycle groups were in town for Daytona Bike Week, which started Feb. 28 and runs through Sunday. "This isn't reflective of the overall biker population," Kirk said. "We have extra people on staff for Bike Week, and we will continue to have people on staff." The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is also assisting with the investigation, a spokesperson said, although the New Smyrna Beach Police Department is the lead investigative agency. Other agencies helping include the Edgewater Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "Obviously, something in the middle of the day like this is worst-case scenario for us, with bystanders and heavy beach traffic," Kirk said. "Thankfully, it appears that anyone who wasn't involved in the incident was not injured." What we don't know Police have not yet said what led to the shooting between the two groups. Kirk said one suspect has been detained, but no official arrests have been made. It is currently unclear how many people were involved in the fight. Officials say the incident remains an active investigation, and they are asking the public to avoid the area at this time. The New Smyrna Police Department is asking anyone with information on the shooting to call (386) 424-2220. 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 New Smyrna Beach Police Department on March 8, 2025, as well as information collected during an interview FOX 35's Stephanie Buffamonte did with Chris Kirk, interm police chief for the New Smyrna Police Department, on March 8, 2025.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police in New Smyrna Beach are investigating a shooting on SR-44
The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place Saturday afternoon on SR-44. In a Facebook post, NSBPD believes the shooting took place between rival motorcycle gangs in Volusia County. According to NSBPD, all injuries appear to be non-life-threatening. NSBPD asks civilians to avoid the area as the investigation is ongoing. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police in New Smyrna Beach are investigating a shooting on SR-44
The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place Saturday afternoon on SR-44. In a Facebook post, NSBPD believes the shooting took place between rival motorcycle gangs in Volusia County. According to NSBPD, all injuries appear to be non-life-threatening. NSBPD asks civilians to avoid the area as the investigation is ongoing. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
