DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As race fans are getting ready for the Daytona 500, law enforcement agencies from across Central Florida have been taking measures to keep everyone safe.
Ahead of NASCAR’s biggest race, there have been several events at Daytona International Speedway and security has been tight around the track.
Dozens of barricades and signs have been placed in medians and along surrounding roads to help officers direct traffic before and after the Daytona 500 on Sunday.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, which is one of the primary agencies in charge of safety, has been planning for the event with a heightened awareness after the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood wouldn’t comment on security specifics, but said safety is the top priority for deputies.
“VSO is devoting all resources and working with all our partner agencies to provide the highest level of safety and security during Speedweeks and the Daytona 500,” Chitwood said. An event of this magnitude requires constant coordination, communication and teamwork, and that’s exactly what we’re doing to ensure the safety of every race fan, every visitor, and the general public. We have a lot of experience with this event, and we are 100% dedicated to another safe and successful Speedweeks!”
Lincoln Horvela is a race fan visiting from South Florida and said he was pleased to see the security measures that have been in place all week.
“I think it’s been real good. We feel safe. Bring our dog, wife, everybody’s bringing their kids out too,” Horvela said. “I think they do a great job of checking everybody out. Make sure they have their credentials and you go on living life. That’s what we’re all about.”
The Daytona 500 is scheduled to begin Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
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