DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona Beach’s Beachside Redevelopment Board is set to discuss new security measures Wednesday, including whether to bring additional patrols to the area similar to those already in place across the bridge on Beach Street.
The conversation comes after months of feedback from business owners and board members who say the beachside corridor continues to struggle with safety concerns.
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Last month, the city received cost estimates from First Coast Security, the same company currently patrolling Beach Street. But according to meeting minutes, traditional foot patrols aren’t feasible on the beachside because of the area’s size.
Instead, board members will consider two new options:
- Golf cart patrols for about $135,000 per year, operating six days a week for 16 hours a day.
- Vehicle patrols for about $148,000 per year, following the same schedule.
Some business owners say any added presence could help reduce issues.
Patricia Williams-Fay, manager at the Starlite Diner, said security challenges have become part of the daily routine.
“It would be wonderful if I did not have to kick homeless people out of our business,” Williams-Fay said. “We don’t like doing that… We have fed the homeless before, to-go boxes and so forth. But a lot of these homeless people are mentally challenged and they don’t understand or respect.”
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The board is also waiting for cost estimates for hiring a detailed Daytona Beach police officer to work the area. That figure is expected to be discussed during today’s meeting.
Also on the agenda is a full crime statistics report from Daytona Beach police and a presentation on the Beachside Detail plan led by Capt. Jones.
The meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. You can find the agenda on the city of Daytona Beach website.
News 6 will provide updates on decisions made and what they could mean for businesses and residents beachside.