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Spring Break Panic in Daytona: 80 Arrested, No Guns Found

3/18/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Spring break chaos in Daytona Beach escalated over the weekend after a false alarm triggered a stampede.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the panic came from crushed water bottles, not gunfire.
More than 80 were arrested, including six for weapon violations, while no firearms were seized.
Chitwood said the influx is driven by social media.
He called for better management of these gatherings.

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Story summary

Spring break chaos in Daytona Beach escalated over the weekend after a false alarm triggered a stampede.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the panic came from crushed water bottles, not gunfire.
More than 80 were arrested, including six for weapon violations, while no firearms were seized.
Chitwood said the influx is driven by social media.
He called for better management of these gatherings.