Daytona Beach, FL-The second reading of a city ordinance making the possession of 20 grams or less of cannabis and possession of paraphernalia as defined by state law a second degree misdemeanor was adopted by the Daytona Beach City Commission with little fanfare last night.
Another ordinance, which revises permit requirements and procedures for establishments offering the sale or consumption of alcohol after hours, was a different story. During the public hearing, many got up to speak on both sides of the issue and most of them were from the Seabreeze neighborhood near where many clubs are located.
Commissioner Rob Gilliland suggested an amendment to the original ordinance, saying that it is not a Seabreeze ordinance, it pertains to the whole city.
Police Chief Mike Chitwood said that the Seabreeze neighborhood frequently needs extra police on duty between the hours of midnight and 3 A.M. Chitwood pointed to the overtime cost for officers due to the manpower needed in the Seabreeze area.
The ordinance changes include requiring security cameras and personnel to be provided at those establishments and also changes the grounds for the after hours permit to be suspended based on things like excessive illegal parking or excessive calls for law enforcement service. The new section also includes the possibility of permit revocation or suspension by the Chief of Police in certain emergency situations.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2016.
