Volusia County Sheriff Invites New Yorkers to Relocate
A Florida county sheriff has extended an invitation to New Yorkers looking to escape the newly elected Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s democratic socialist policies, calling it a chance to start anew.
“If you’re a resident of New York City or part of the NYPD feeling disillusioned by the election results, I invite you to the Volusia County Welcome Circle,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced on Facebook late Tuesday.
Chitwood, in his third term leading law enforcement in an East Coast county that encompasses Daytona Beach and Edgewater, made this offer shortly after Mamdani won against independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
At 61, Chitwood is promoting job vacancies in his office to police officers seeking a supportive work environment—one, he argues, is lacking in New York.
“To my NYPD friends, if you want to work for an organization that values innovation and community appreciation, consider the Volusia Sheriff’s Office,” he advised.
The sheriff claimed Volusia is a safe, growing community ideal for starting a business or raising a family. “New Yorkers, if you’re in search of a better quality of life—be it education, outdoor activities, or a pleasant climate—take a look at Volusia County,” he stated. “We are ready for you. This election isn’t the end; it could be a new beginning.”
However, some locals voiced their discontent with Chitwood’s outreach, expressing reluctance to welcome New Yorkers into the county. “Mike, there is literally no more room here,” one resident replied.
“I think there might be a mass exodus. Calm down people. He’s just seeking experienced police officers,” another chimed in.
A third person cautioned, “Don’t think of New York as Florida.” Chitwood, known for his criticisms of politicians soft on crime, has spoken out in light of a recent tragedy involving NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed during a traffic stop by a repeat offender.
Diller’s assailant had an extensive criminal history, with 21 prior arrests, including several felonies. Following the election, a survey indicated that nearly 1 million New Yorkers might consider leaving the city due to Mamdani’s victory. About 9% of the population—around 765,000 people—indicated they would “definitely” contemplate moving.
Another 25%—approximately 2.12 million—stated they would “consider” relocating. From 2018 to 2022, over 125,000 New Yorkers moved to Florida, seeking refuge from high taxes and seeking a safer lifestyle.
Reflecting on his own experience, Alex Taub, who moved to Miami in 2020, shared, “People thought we were crazy, but things were getting worse in New York. For the same price we paid for a two-bedroom apartment, we found a house with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a pool, and a backyard.”
This trend has cost New York nearly $1.4 billion in lost revenue.
Mamdani has openly embraced socialist policies, previously advocating for defunding the NYPD and asserting that its practices are fundamentally flawed. He later attempted to clarify his previous remarks, emphasizing his criticisms were aimed at certain practices rather than the officers themselves.
