'Orlando Invades the Beachside' organizers cancel Daytona event after sheriff's warning

Katie Kustura, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read

Two Florida-based event promoters have canceled "Orlando Invades The Beachside Beach Day 2023" after Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood asked that they get a permit or stay away.

Chitwood voiced his appreciation for Orlando-based promoter Keairra Gardner, also known as "Keerichy," and Fleming Island-based promoter Reginald Bulger II, also known as "DJ Wavy," deciding to cancel the unpermitted and unsanctioned event.

Volusia sheriff to event promoters: Get permit for 'Orlando Invades the Beachside' or stay away

Late Thursday afternoon the sheriff shared a social media post by Bulger who said he would work with the City of Daytona for approval and the proper permit for future beach day events.

Chitwood sent cease-and-desist letters to Gardner and Bulger earlier this week regarding his concerns about "Orlando Invades," a beach gathering slated for May 27 from noon to 5 p.m.

A weekend's worth of parties planned as part of what promoters are calling "Orlando Memorial Day Weekend 2K23" was to include a beach day in Daytona Beach on May 27. The promoters canceled the beach day plan after Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the event would be met with strict enforcement of all laws, with enhanced penalties, as the even was unpermitted and unsanctioned.

Without proper notice, such an event 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 also stated in the letters that his department would "be happy to work with" the promoters and organizers were they to obtain the proper permit and approval from the city.

Florida law targets disruptive events

In 2022, such pop-up parties were the target of new legislation.

Sheriffs may 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, per the law.

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.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 'Orlando Invades' beach day canceled after Volusia sheriff's warning