MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – As the Spring Break season in Miami Beach begins, both visitors and locals are noticing the city’s efforts to maintain order.
Measures such as beach access bag checks, closed public parking garages and a weekend curfew starting Friday night in designated areas have been introduced to curb chaotic crowds and past incidents of violence.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner spoke to Local 10 News Friday about why the city is cracking down on Spring Break in the area of South Beach, where people like to party.
“Law and order is number one here so that is why we are doing this,” he said. “We took our most robust measures we have ever taken and it has worked. We have a much calmer Spring Break so far.”
Saval Young, who is visiting from Atlanta, told Local 10 News the increased police presence instills a sense of safety.
“It is pretty chill, not too much rowdy stuff,” he said. “They have a lot of police officers, I know that. They deep, so I know we are safe.”
“I would actually prefer them to be here because I feel a lot safer,” said visitor Tay Anderson.
Laina Kislon, who lives near South Beach, also echoed Anderson’s sentiment.
“I think it has been beautiful,” she said. “I have been walking the dog every day, I feel safe and the beach is pretty. I think they have been doing a good job.”
One visitor noted the warnings against visiting Miami Beach but acknowledged the effectiveness of the regulations in maintaining calm.
“I saw a lot of videos saying don’t come here, we don’t want you,” she said. “Regulations and closing everything early, and I think it is good. I mean, it seems pretty calm right now.”
Despite the warnings, some, like Tanisha Harris, believe that people are still coming to the beach.
“The message has definitely gotten out because right now I feel like the beach would probably be more packed,” she said.
Many residents remain optimistic about Miami Beach’s current atmosphere.
“They are still going to come, but I think they are going to calm down this year,” said Saval. “No violence this time, people, no more violence.”
Miami Beach city leaders have also publicly cautioned local businesses to “expect curfews” during spring break, particularly over the March 16-17 weekend, “when South Beach historically has experienced the highest level of disturbance and violence.”
Liquor and grocery stores within the designated zone will be prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages after 6 p.m.
Conversely, restaurants and bars operating within the area will be permitted to serve alcohol, with a requirement to ensure that last call is made in time for patrons to vacate the premises by 11:59 p.m. each weekend night. Law enforcement officers will conduct patrols to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Miami Beach Police Officer Christopher Bess told Local 10 News last week there have been no significant incidents as the city braces for what will typically be another high-impact weekend ahead.
“We are starting to see the crowds,” said Meiner. “The third week of march is generally, historically our toughest weekend and our city manager in consultation with our police chief, me, and our commissioners made the determination that a curfew is necessary to make sure we are safe.”