MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – It was a cool, calm, normal night in South Beach on Wednesday, but the tides will turn in a matter of weeks as rowdy spring breakers arrive.
“There’s going to be a significant police presence, not only on the south end of the city, but citywide,” said Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones.
Officers will be on Alpha-Bravo shifts after dealing with a number of murders, shootings, fights and stampedes in years past, all from unruly crowds.
Even the governor took note this week.
“We’ve seen things in Miami Beach, we have resources available, we want to work proactively,” said DeSantis.
On Wednesday, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner introduced a comprehensive strategy to deal with rowdy crowds this March.
“I welcome the comments (from Gov. DeSantis) and any help the state of Florida can give us, which I think is going to be robust,” he said.
The new strategy involves implementing curfews and suspending sidewalk cafes on Ocean Drive when necessary, shutting down city owned garages and parking lots and vigorously enforcing noise and open container laws.
“We are not discouraging people to come and enjoy our gorgeous city,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Tanya Bhatt.
“Come here for a good time, but do not come here to drink openly in our streets,” added Miami Beach Commissioner Joseph Magazine.
Come March, visitors can also expect beach access to close at 6 p.m. as well the presence of as DUI checkpoints and license plate readers.
For any open parking garages, there will be a $100 flat rate fee. Towing charges will also be spiked.
“If you violate our rules you’re going to have to pay $519 to come and pick up your car,” said Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak.
Added Meiner: “If people say, ‘Oh, maybe Miami Beach is overreacting,’ I say then we’re probably just right.”