Miami Beach will crack down on out-of-control spring breakers and roll out strict measures aimed at curbing the violence that marred past celebrations.
Even in a popular seaside town We have started a new message campaign Ahead of the festival in March, it was announced that “Miami Beach would say goodbye to spring break.”
“We can expect a curfew, security and bag checks at beach access points, early closure of beach entrances, drunk driving checkpoints, bumper-to-bumper traffic, road closures, and arrests for drug possession and assault.” the city warned.
Officials held a press conference Thursday to outline the city’s strategy for dealing with the anticipated influx of revelers, the Miami Herald reported.
“Come here and have fun, but don’t come here looking for trouble,” Mayor Stephen Miner said. “That’s enough.”
Miner said he was confident in the city’s safety plan, even though it didn’t take measures like the use of metal detectors, which he reportedly promoted. ).
New rules passed by the city last month may make traveling to Miami Beach during spring break less appealing, but could impact businesses that rely on the thousands of people who flock to Miami Beach each March. There is sex.
According to the newspaper, Miami Beach will impose a flat fee of $100 for parking in city garages and lots and will close its Ocean Drive sidewalk cafe on the weekends of March 7-10 and March 14-17. decided.
Police Chief Wayne Jones told reporters that tourists can expect a greater police presence than “we’ve ever seen before.”
“It’s going to be difficult to come to our city and when you get here you’re going to be expected to play by the rules,” Jones said.
A city spokesperson told the Post that while the measures could impact businesses “in the short term,” “we need to act in the long-term interests of businesses, residents, and visitors.” There is,” he said.
A curfew has not been announced, but City Manager Alina Hudak must declare a state of emergency before it can go into effect, according to the Herald.
The newspaper reported that city officials promised to “strengthen police enforcement of public drinking, drug possession and violent behavior” and even eliminated the option of making possession of low-level marijuana a civil offense.
“If you want to cause trouble, don’t come to Miami Beach,” Jones said in a statement. “Our message is simple: We want people to enjoy their time here, but we will not tolerate the type of behavior we have witnessed over the past few years.”
Last March, two deadly shootings occurred on the island’s main drive within just 36 hours.
