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Daytona Beach Declares Emergency Amid Spring Break Chaos

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Daytona Beach, Florida, declared a state of emergency over spring break chaos, with over 100 arrests and five shootings.
The city imposed a seven-day curfew for minors and created event zones to manage unsanctioned beach events.
Police Chief Jakari Young said officials must address high-risk activities straining resources.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood plans to prosecute organizers of unsanctioned events.
Officials later clarified the fear came from smashed water bottles, not gunfire.

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Story summary

Daytona Beach, Florida, declared a state of emergency over spring break chaos, with over 100 arrests and five shootings.
The city imposed a seven-day curfew for minors and created event zones to manage unsanctioned beach events.
Police Chief Jakari Young said officials must address high-risk activities straining resources.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood plans to prosecute organizers of unsanctioned events.
Officials later clarified the fear came from smashed water bottles, not gunfire.