Despite a dramatic pre-emptive crackdown by the city that included a late-night curfew implemented over the weekend, the disruption to spring break festivities in Miami Beach continued as authorities confirmed they had rounded up more than 250 partygoers. Wild photos have been released.
A curfew was imposed in the area, a popular spring break spot, from 11:59 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday through Monday.
The curfew followed last year’s unrest, which resulted in nearly 500 arrests, the seizure of 105 guns and two fatal shootings.
Despite these measures, Miami Beach police have already made 256 spring break-related busts from March 1 to March 16, said Miami Beach Police Department spokesman Christopher Beth.
Photos showed several arrests made Friday as groups of scantily clad men and women partied hard for hours throughout the day and night.
In preparation for the annual celebration, Gov. Ron DeSantis sent at least 140 state troopers to the scene, along with drones and license plate readers, to aggressively curb violence.
DeSantis vowed to crack down on crime ahead of the event.
“We welcome people to come and have a good time. What we don’t welcome is criminal activity.”
DeSantis warned. “What we do not welcome are riots and people who seek to cause havoc in our communities.”
Then, last month, the city announced in a message campaign that it would be abolishing spring break.
In the campaign video, the woman says, “This March, we will bring curfews, bag checks, beach access restrictions, drunk driving checkpoints, $100 parking, and stronger police enforcement against drug possession and violence.” A crackdown is expected,” he warned.
The city experienced three consecutive years of violence during co-ed meetings, inevitably descending into anarchy.
From March 4 to March 12, nearby Fort Lauderdale had a number of incidents of disorderly conduct, drugs, theft and law enforcement attacks, said Fort Lauderdale Police Department spokeswoman Casey Leaning. Approximately 10 “isolated” arrests related to spring break have been made in related cases.
“Spring break crowds have been as expected so far this year, and this week will be the busiest week we anticipate,” Leaning said.
Leaning added that there were no “major problems or disturbances” that would necessitate mass arrests.
