A city commissioner has stated that a significant rise in violent incidents has marked the spring break season in Miami Beach.
The city is closing parking garages, instituting a $100 fixed fee, and installing license plate readers on causeways to ensure the public’s safety during the weekend. Sidewalk seating availability will be suspended at any Ocean Drive cafe, and the closest parking garage is at the corner of Sunset Harbor and 42nd Street.
Even with a strong police presence, the crowds have grown too big to handle. The city’s capacity has frequently exceeded what is safe for visitors and inhabitants during the break, and that’s because the town is situated on a barrier island across the bay from Miami.
More than 140 state troopers and cutting-edge tools like drones have been dispatched to Miami Beach and other famous beach communities by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
These measures target any possible criminal activity associated with spring break.
A total of 488 people were taken into custody during last year’s March craziness; among them were 230 felonies, two murders, and a large number of firearms that were confiscated. The Miami Beach commissioners, led by David Suarez, reached out to DeSantis in advance to convey their wish to resolve the matter before the final weekend.
The ruinous effects of last year’s disaster on the city’s image resulted in the removal of former mayor Dan Gelber and the election of more conservative mayor Steven Meiner. Fox News contributor Nicole Parker, a retired FBI agent who now lives in Miami Beach, stressed the importance of newly elected authorities who back law enforcement in handling the spring break issues.
To keep the peace this spring, the city has instituted curfews, restricted beach access, bag checks, DUI checkpoints, nonresident towing rates surpassing $500, and a targeted advertising campaign.
Most company owners are on board with the new regulations, but a few aren’t happy about how it has disrupted their busiest time of year.
