NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – New Smyrna Beach is once again taking a zero-tolerance approach to spring break by increasing patrols and working with neighboring agencies to prevent repeat problems from past seasons.
Chief Chris Kirk said the police department has stepped up enforcement and partnered with other agencies to put more officers in the area ahead of one of the busiest times at the beach.
“We’re ready to handle anything that may come and take more of a zero-tolerance approach to keeping order,” he said.
[WATCH: State, Volusia officials to crack down on spring break crowds]
Aiming to reduce juvenile crime, there is also an 11 p.m. curfew for minors, a measure first introduced in 2024.
Kirk says the curfew will apply to people under 18 who are not with an adult or going to and from work.
Teens caught violating the curfew may face punishments or fines, which could also extend to their parents.
“Our zero-tolerance approach is for the residents and for the visitors that want to come here, enjoy our great shops, our bars, our restaurants without being overrun by the juveniles that don’t want to do those things,” Kirk said.
[WATCH: Video shows teen pull gun in Florida spring break crowd]
In 2024, a 16-year-old was arrested after deputies said he pulled a gun in a crowd of spring breakers at the beach. A day later, an 18-year-old man was arrested after a handgun was found inside the vehicle he was driving.
Lona Finch believes the curfew and added enforcement are necessary to keep everyone safe.
“I mean, these young kids, they’re away from their parents maybe sometime for the first time. And they, you know, they don’t have adult thoughts. They’re still kids,” she told News 6.
Other residents said they noticed a difference after enforcement was increased at the beach.
“I think Volusia really stepped up when they saw what was going on in Miami. It was really horrific,” Josi Dunn said. “They stepped up last year; they had it going on, and when we came back, the beach was clean and no problems from what I saw.”
“The local police here and the beach patrol understand that people are having a good time. They keep things cordial,” Jim Laham said of the police department’s efforts.