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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As concerns over public safety continue to loom, the Beachside Redevelopment Board in Daytona Beach is gearing up to explore enhanced security measures. This Tuesday afternoon, discussions will center around the possibility of extending patrols to the beachside area, similar to the successful model already operating on Beach Street.
For quite some time now, business owners and board members have voiced their apprehensions, highlighting persistent safety issues plaguing the beachside corridor. These worries have prompted the board to seek viable solutions to ensure a safe environment for both visitors and locals.
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In a bid to address these safety concerns, last month saw the city soliciting cost estimates from First Coast Security, the same firm tasked with safeguarding Beach Street. However, traditional foot patrols pose a challenge on the beachside due to the expansive area they would need to cover, as noted in recent meeting minutes.
Consequently, the board members are now set to deliberate on two alternative approaches, aiming to strike a balance between effective security and practical implementation.
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Golf cart patrols for about $135,000 per year, operating six days a week for 16 hours a day.
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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 is scheduled for this afternoon. News 6 will provide updates on decisions made and what they could mean for businesses and residents beachside.
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