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DeLand city manager orders security review for upcoming large events after recent vehicle attacks; police use of red-flag orders highlighted
Summary
After recent mass-vehicle attacks elsewhere, DeLand's city manager asked staff to review security for near-term large public events including the bike rally, 'Me Strong' and the Mardi Gras parade; commissioners also discussed law-enforcement use of risk-protection (red-flag) orders and mental-health coordination.
City Manager Michael (name given in the meeting as Michael) told the commission on Jan. 6 that staff will review security protocols for upcoming large events — specifically the Bike Rally, the event referenced as “Me Strong” and the Mardi Gras parade — after violent vehicle attacks in other jurisdictions. The review will focus on deficiencies, perimeter protections and operational items that can be implemented immediately under city-manager authority and on equipment or resource requests that will be brought back to the commission for approval if needed.
Why it matters: large downtown events attract thousands of attendees and require coordinated traffic control, barricades and public-safety planning; staff said the objective is to reduce vulnerability to vehicle attacks and other mass-casualty scenarios.
What staff said
- Immediate review: staff will prioritize the three upcoming events and evaluate security needs for street closures such as George Avenue and Indiana Avenue during parades and festivals. Some operational changes could be implemented immediately by the city manager; other measures that require new equipment or budget will be presented to the commission.
- After-action reports: staff noted existing practice of conducting after-action reviews following events and said they will use those reports to identify vulnerabilities (for example, poor audibility of internal drills was noted in a separate conversation about school safety drills).
Police use of risk-protection (red-flag) orders
Commissioners discussed mental-health intersections with public-safety work. The mayor and commissioners praised local police for using the state’s risk-protection-order procedures when appropriate; staff said local officers have been willing to prepare the necessary documentation and pursue the orders even when it requires off-shift work. The city noted the red-flag tool as one element among many to reduce risk to the public.
Follow-up and next steps
- Staff will report recommended operational changes and any proposed purchases to the commission as soon as practicable.
- Staff will continue coordination with law-enforcement, health providers and event organizers to refine protocols and outreach.
Ending: Commissioners thanked staff and police for the proactive review; staff noted this work will continue before the next major events and will be reported back to the commission for approval of any resource needs.
