Teenager accused of causing $126,000 in damage to New Smyrna Beach golf course

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On October 19, 2025, a 17-year-old male allegedly drove a vehicle onto the second green at The Club at Venetian Bay in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The driver performed 'doughnuts' on the course, resulting in approximately 7,000 square feet of destroyed turf. Benjamin Herring, the general manager of the golf course, initially estimated the damage at $161,000, though this figure was later adjusted to $126,000. Following an investigation by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department and the Volusia Sheriff's Office, the 17-year-old male was arrested on November 10, 2025, at Atlantic High School. Authorities reported that the teenager confessed to the act, citing that he was 'bored.' A 16-year-old passenger, who allegedly recorded the incident, was also identified as being under investigation for potential evidence tampering. As of late 2025, the case against the 17-year-old remained in the early stages of the legal process, with no further public updates regarding the status of the investigation into the passenger or the final resolution of the criminal charges.