A series of block parties last weekend in DeLand, a city in Volusia County, drew large crowds resulted in clashes between law enforcement and spectators.

Officers, led by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the DeLand Police Department, say the crowds were too large and no one had obtained an event permit.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood says race wasn’t an issue and it’s all about public safety and following the law.

The Minority Elected Officials of Volusia County, Daytona Beach/Volusia County NAACP, West Volusia NAACP, Daytona Beach Black Clergy Alliance and Concerned Clergy Coalition all have expressed concerns about the block party being held during the coronavirus pandemic.

For so long, we’ve had these block parties in Spring Hill and other communities without following the law.