NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Police in New Smyrna Beach are issuing a warning to Central Florida parents of teenagers: there will be zero tolerance during spring break this year.
Their announcement follows a chaotic Presidents’ Day where a large crowd of teens took over the beach and Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach.
Police are concerned that the recent events could be a preview of the upcoming spring break. They are urging parents to help them in cracking down on bad behavior. On Monday, police reported a major fight broke out, leading to the arrest of one teenager for brandishing a gun. Additionally, a 14-year-old from Orlando was arrested for shooting a BB gun at the Flagler Avenue roosters.
“Hearing the tires with kids trying to go 50 miles per hour,” said Ignacio Barsottelli, who, along with his wife Melissa, owns a coffee shop on Flagler Avenue. “Yelling, crossing the street where ever, doing bad behavior, jumping on the furniture.”
Barsottelli described Monday’s crowd as a teenage madhouse. He wishes the teens would enjoy the city responsibly if they visit.
New Smyrna Beach police are implementing a curfew ahead of spring break, a measure that was first introduced a few years ago.
News 6 previously reported on high school spring-breakers engaging in vandalism, fights, and underage drinking, often with little to no adult supervision. Police said many of these teens were reportedly from Orlando, dropped off by parents who do not stay.
To address these issues, police are increasing their presence with undercover officers. Teens caught violating the curfew may face punishments or fines, which could also extend to their parents. Local Airbnb hosts are also being asked to tighten check-in processes to ensure adult supervision.
“It’s just the way this day and age is. It’s a shame the kids have to bring a gun to the beach,” said Terry Bartley, general manager of the Breakers on the Beach. “They put on TikTok or whatever they do and say there’s going to be a big meeting in front of Breakers in New Smyrna Beach. There’s nothing you can do. They were here at 7:30 in the morning.”
Bartley noted that businesses now have to prepare for the presence of teenage crowds. While he supports the curfew, he expressed concern about where the teens will go once they are removed from the beach and streets.
Both the police and Volusia Sheriff’s Office are expected to announce additional rules and measures following the recent events. They plan to release these details in the coming week.
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