By-Line: Joseph Bober, FCSO
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was very busy during the 84th Annual Daytona Beach Bike Week, which brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area.
During the event, which began on February 28 and concluded on March 9, the FCSO Communications Center handled 4,654 total calls, including 1,304 911 calls. Deputies responded to 3,636 calls for service, conducted 945 traffic stops, and made 76 arrests over the 10 days.
FCSO had increased presence on roadways throughout Bike Week, with deputies conducting several operations to curb aggressive driving and criminal activity. This included a multi-day operation as the FCSO Traffic Enforcement Unit partnered with Florida Highway Patrol’s Motors and Aviation units to conduct 323 traffic stops, during which they issued 167 uniform traffic citations and 187 warnings. Additionally, FCSO teamed up with FHP, the Bunnell Police Department, and the Flagler Beach Police Department for Operation CRASH, a one-day countywide traffic enforcement operation on March 6. During the operation, deputies, troopers, and officers conducted 78 traffic stops, issuing 29 uniform traffic citations and 58 warnings.
During Bike Week, deputies responded to 102 crashes, including 30 with injuries, 60 without injuries, and 12 hit-and-runs. Four traffic fatalities occurred, two involving motorcycles. Deputies responded to each fatal crash before turning the investigations over to FHP.
“It was another busy Bike Week, but our team was up to the task,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our dispatchers handled thousands of calls, and our deputies worked hard alongside our partner agencies to keep our roadways as safe as possible and deter criminals. Sadly, the week also saw four fatal crashes, and our thoughts are with the victims’ families.”
