Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood to 'Orlando Invades' organizers: Get permit or stay away

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood sent cease-and-desist letters this week to two Florida event organizers promoting an "unpermitted and unsanctioned event" to be held in Daytona Beach.

"Orlando Invades The Beachside Beach Day 2023" is slated for May 27 from noon to 5 p.m., according to the event flyer.

In the letters posted to the sheriff's social media accounts Wednesday afternoon, Chitwood said the event would be met with strict enforcement of all laws, with enhanced penalties.

Sheriff explains concerns over 'unpermitted and unsanctioned' Daytona Beach event

Chitwood explained to Orlando-based promoter Keairra Gardner, also known as "Keerichy," and Fleming Island-based promoter Reginald Bulger II, also known as "DJ Wavy," why the event may negatively impact the area.

An event such as "Orlando Invades The Beachside" puts "unreasonable strain on the already burdened law enforcement, medical, firefighter and beach safety resources of Volusia County," Chitwood said in the letters.

The sheriff said the event would disrupt the normal flow of traffic and "interfere with and jeopardize the public health, safety and welfare" of event attendees and residents.

"This is not the professional or legal way to go about promoting an event which doesn't burden a county's resources and is safe and enjoyable for all," Chitwood said.

The sheriff said his department would "be happy to work with" the promoters and organizers were they to obtain the proper permit and approval from the appropriate officials for the event.

Gardner stopped promoting the event since receiving Chitwood's letter, the post states.

Florida law a response to disruptive 'pop-up' events

In 2022 a new law was enacted in response to the increasing number of disruptive pop-up events.

The law allows sheriffs to designate a particular geographic area where law enforcement shows zero tolerance for all violations, with fines doubled and violating vehicles impounded for up to 72 hours.

Policing pop-up events:Florida House bill gives law enforcement tools to better control special events like Daytona Truck Meet

Chitwood:'Zero tolerance' ahead of unpermitted Daytona Orange Crush event

Through the law, Chitwood has previously countered similar events including pop-up truck events in June and October of 2022 as well as "Orange Crush 2K23," which never materialized following the sheriff's cease-and-desist letter.