Daytona Beach: City Commission - Mar 18 2026
Summary. The Daytona Beach City Commission held a meeting on March 19, 2026, primarily focused on addressing recent spring break-related incidents and implementing emergency measures for public safety. Chief of Police Jakara Young presented a comprehensive proposal for managing high-impact events, including special event zones, curfews, and enhanced regulations following what he described as an unsanctioned social media-driven takeover that occurred the previous weekend. The Commission unanimously approved an emergency ordinance establishing a seven-day state of emergency with an extended youth curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM within designated special event zones, effective Friday, March 20 through Thursday, March 26, 2026. The meeting concluded with routine business including approval of meeting minutes, agenda modifications, and a resolution supporting the celebration of the United States 250th anniversary and Daytona Beach's 150th anniversary. Extensive commission comments addressed various topics including spring break policy, road construction updates, community events, and a discussion about potentially moving citizen comments to the beginning of meetings. Commissioner Strickland proposed this change but ultimately withdrew the motion after staff raised concerns about implementation logistics. The Mayor also delivered remarks defending the commission's record of supporting law enforcement in response to recent public statements by the county sheriff regarding special event zones.
Agenda Items
4. Approval of Minutes - February 18, 2026
Routine approval of previous meeting minutes
- Motion made and seconded without discussion
5. Agenda Approval with Modifications
Multiple agenda modifications including adding presentations, pulling items, and adding support funds
- Adding Chief Young presentation on spring break
- Pulling public works item 8J
- Adding various commissioner support fund allocations
- Adding 250th anniversary flag display item
6. Police Chief Presentation on Spring Break Response
Comprehensive presentation on recent spring break incidents and proposed high-impact period policies
- Recent weekend described as unsanctioned social media takeover
- Proposal for high-impact period designations
- Enhanced security requirements for businesses
- Vacation rental restrictions
- Curfew implementations
- Community task force discussion
11c. Resolution supporting celebration of US 250th anniversary and city's 150th anniversary
Added resolution supporting sesquicentennial celebrations
- Added this evening to agenda
- Supports US 250th and Daytona Beach 150th anniversaries
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2026 city commission meeting
Moved by City Clerk
Passed 7-0
Motion to accept the agenda with the stated changes
Moved by Commissioner
Passed 7-0
Emergency ordinance establishing a state of emergency for seven days beginning Friday March 20, 2026, extending youth curfew hours from 8PM to 6AM within special event zone
Moved by Commissioner Cantu, seconded by Commissioner Perez
Passed 7-0
Resolution supporting the celebration of the United States two hundred and fiftieth anniversary and the city of Daytona Beach's a hundred and fiftieth anniversary
Moved by Not clearly identified, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 7-0
Motion to move citizen comments to consent agenda comments and at the end, but they can only speak one time
Moved by Commissioner Strickland, seconded by Commissioner Perra
Withdrawn
Action Items
Chief Young to communicate with commissioners when unsanctioned events are detected
Assigned to Chief Jakara Young via City Manager · Due Ongoing
Form spring break task force for community input on policies
Assigned to To be determined - Chief Young or designee to chair
Draft emergency ordinance for youth curfew implementation
Assigned to City Attorney Ben Gross · Due Immediately following meeting
Follow up on Bay Street as potential CRA project
Assigned to City Manager
Send out CRA survey links again and set workshop date once surveys completed
Assigned to City Manager · Due Next meeting
Put citizen comment timing discussion on next meeting agenda
Assigned to Staff · Due Next meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Daytona Beach City Commission held a meeting on March 19, 2026, primarily focused on addressing recent spring break-related incidents and implementing emergency measures for public safety. Chief of Police Jakara Young presented a comprehensive proposal for managing high-impact events, including special event zones, curfews, and enhanced regulations following what he described as an unsanctioned social media-driven takeover that occurred the previous weekend. The Commission unanimously approved an emergency ordinance establishing a seven-day state of emergency with an extended youth curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM within designated special event zones, effective Friday, March 20 through Thursday, March 26, 2026. The meeting concluded with routine business including approval of meeting minutes, agenda modifications, and a resolution supporting the celebration of the United States 250th anniversary and Daytona Beach's 150th anniversary. Extensive commission comments addressed various topics including spring break policy, road construction updates, community events, and a discussion about potentially moving citizen comments to the beginning of meetings. Commissioner Strickland proposed this change but ultimately withdrew the motion after staff raised concerns about implementation logistics. The Mayor also delivered remarks defending the commission's record of supporting law enforcement in response to recent public statements by the county sheriff regarding special event zones.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 4 agenda items: Approval of Minutes - February 18, 2026; Agenda Approval with Modifications; Police Chief Presentation on Spring Break Response; Resolution supporting celebration of US 250th anniversary and city's 150th anniversary.
How many motions were voted on?
5 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
6 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
12 members were recorded as present: Mayor Derek L. Henry, Commissioner Cantu, Commissioner Henry, Commissioner Reid, Commissioner Harris, Commissioner Strickland, Commissioner May, Commissioner Perra, City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney Ben Gross, Chief Jakara Young.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Daytona Beach in?
Daytona Beach is located in Volusia County, Florida. Browse other Volusia County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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