Miami Beach officials are preparing for spring break, taking strict measures to prevent a repeat of last year’s chaos and unruly behavior in 2024.
Every year, thousands of college students flock to the Magic City’s beaches, bars and nightclubs for celebrations that have been marred by crime, violence and shootings in recent years.
Last year, nearly 500 people were arrested and more than 100 guns were seized in Miami Beach after two shootings, according to the Miami Beach Police Department. The city instituted a curfew after the shooting.
Crowds gather on Ocean Drive and 8th during spring break in Miami Beach, March 18, 2023. (DA Varela/Miami Herald, via AP)
The Miami Beach City Commission on Wednesday voted to enact a number of tough measures to crack down on the ugly behavior, including a late-night curfew and a 6 p.m. closure of South Beach beaches for two weekends in March.
Those who break the law will face even stiffer fines.
Officials also announced increased police presence this year, with the Florida Highway Patrol and other local governments working with Miami Beach to help patrol the city.
“We are closing the door on spring break once and for all,” Commissioner Alex Fernandez said, according to NBC. “Illegal activity will not be tolerated in Miami Beach.”
Florida police crack down on spring break party goers: ‘We want them to behave’
During the 2021 and 2022 pandemic, students moved to Florida to enjoy relatively relaxed COVID-19 measures, cheap flights and hotels. These factors created a perfect storm that became a nightmare for law enforcement in the state’s coastal beach towns.
In 2022, the city imposed a late-night curfew on Ocean Drive after two similar shootings. In 2021, nearly 1,000 people were arrested and dozens of guns were seized as Miami Beach authorities took steps to quell rowdy spring break attendees.
This year, access to the beach along Ocean Drive will be limited, security will be in place, and the tow fee will be doubled to $516.
A Miami Beach police officer exits a closed road during spring break in Miami Beach, Florida, on Friday. Florida State Police will be in town this weekend to assist local law enforcement. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/AFP via Getty Images)
Marijuana possession and reckless conduct could also lead to stiffer penalties if other proposals are implemented.
Infobae reported that the city said a $100 civil fine has been enacted but has not been successful in discouraging marijuana possession and use in public places.
Meanwhile, license plate readers were installed on the MacArthur Causeway and the Julia Tuttle Causeway, DUI checkpoints were set up and traffic was reduced to one lane, while commissioners said Miami-Dade County They are calling for the Venetian Causeway to be closed to public access, NBC reported.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also acknowledged the need for law and order at this year’s festival.
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“That’s what spring break is, but it shouldn’t prevent local businesses from operating,” DeSantis said, according to WSVN.
“The quality of life of our residents must not be affected. That is why we support you at the state level to do what is necessary to maintain the quality of life of our residents and ensure order in our streets.” “Please keep it that way” and allow the company to function properly as it should. ”
But not all locals agree with the impending crackdown.
Crowds walk up and down Ocean Drive during spring break on March 18, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (DA Varela/Miami Herald, via AP)
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Joey Morrissey, vice president of Club M2 in Miami Beach, said he worries the restrictions will backfire as large crowds try to pass through South Beach.
“If I don’t open up, I think it’s going to hurt the town more, if these kids don’t have a place to go,” Morrissey told NBC.
“You can’t stop it. These kids are booking hotel rooms, spending money, coming here. Now you’re going to cause chaos.”
FOX News’ Sarah Rumpf-Witten contributed to this report.
