RSS2014 Daytona Beach Biketoberfest Recap
The 2014 Biketoberfest was held in Daytona Beach, Florida from October 16-19. Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts cruised the roads of eastern Florida, and enjoyed music, food and lots of entertainment. Estimates place the total number at 500,000, but more conservative estimates drop that number all the way to 250,000. Unfortunately, there were two accidents which resulted in the deaths of two festival-goers, and there was one possibly dangerous situation at a local bar.
On Thursday October 16, George Dean Jr. died in an accident on I-95 around 2:45pm. He was riding near New Smyrna beach with two other motorcyclists and started to exit onto State Road 44. Mr. Dean lost control of his motorcycle and exited the roadway, causing his fatal crash. Dean was an experienced rider, so friends and authorities think mechanical failure could be to blame. Police are still investigating the possible causes. Dean did not have any passengers on his motorcycle.
Late Saturday night, and early Sunday morning, police were called to the Bad Boys Bar on Main Street to respond to a disturbance. There they apprehended John Mahlow of St. Augustine and Jeremy Untermeyer of Jacksonville. The men were arrested for possessing loaded handguns with them in a place that serves alcohol. Both men have concealed-carry permits, but those permits do not allow for carrying loaded guns into bars. Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood said the bar allows patrons to “wear their colors,” which can lead to trouble. The bar owner Lou DeRosa says that he doesn’t see a problem with letting them express their affiliation, and really has few problems. There were no serious injuries reported.
Friday morning around 1:30, motorcyclist Joseph Dunaway collided with a tree on South Riverside Drive and Connecticut Ave. The Edgewater Police say he was pronounced dead at the scene, at just 64 years old. Police are still investigating the cause of that crash as well.
Overall, there were a relatively small number of disturbances and accidents, given the large amount of individuals attending the event. Police say a small number of bikes were stolen, about four or five, and that there were very few complaints or other disturbance calls.
For an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.