Just around the corner from Main Street, Robert Williams is back at work for another Bike Week.The Virginia resident hasn’t missed the annual event in years. And every year, he signs up for the same job.”It’s a porta party, but they don’t have to look like one,” Williams said. “I keep it clean and keep it wiped out.”Williams pays for his own flight and hotel and works 15-hour shifts during the event. He calls it a sacrifice, but one that pays off. He says he can bring in thousands of dollars in tips over the course of the week.”That’s why I come back every year and do it again,” Williams said. “You get a chance to save.”The influx of visitors provides a boost for local bars and businesses, especially during slower times of the year.”That’s what everybody always says about having events like this is it really does help you get through the rest of the year when it’s a little bit slower,” said Angie, owner of Bam Bam’s Bar.While the crowds mean increased revenue, they also require heightened security.Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said the department has canceled days off to ensure coverage.”We pretty much have canceled days off, so there will be no shortage of resources,” Young said.Officers are stationed in core areas of the event, including Main Street and Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard. Police are also partnering with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and deploying bike patrols to monitor areas outside the busiest spots.For Williams, the priorities are simpler: long hours and steady tips.”It’s better than sitting at home doing nothing,” he said. “Watching soap operas is not going to get you fed, is not going to pay the light gas bill.”
Just around the corner from Main Street, Robert Williams is back at work for another Bike Week.
The Virginia resident hasn’t missed the annual event in years. And every year, he signs up for the same job.
“It’s a porta party, but they don’t have to look like one,” Williams said. “I keep it clean and keep it wiped out.”
Williams pays for his own flight and hotel and works 15-hour shifts during the event. He calls it a sacrifice, but one that pays off. He says he can bring in thousands of dollars in tips over the course of the week.
“That’s why I come back every year and do it again,” Williams said. “You get a chance to save.”
The influx of visitors provides a boost for local bars and businesses, especially during slower times of the year.
“That’s what everybody always says about having events like this is it really does help you get through the rest of the year when it’s a little bit slower,” said Angie, owner of Bam Bam’s Bar.
While the crowds mean increased revenue, they also require heightened security.
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said the department has canceled days off to ensure coverage.
“We pretty much have canceled days off, so there will be no shortage of resources,” Young said.
Officers are stationed in core areas of the event, including Main Street and Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard. Police are also partnering with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and deploying bike patrols to monitor areas outside the busiest spots.
For Williams, the priorities are simpler: long hours and steady tips.
“It’s better than sitting at home doing nothing,” he said. “Watching soap operas is not going to get you fed, is not going to pay the light gas bill.”
