MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Sunday proved to be a not-so-fun day for some visiting spring breakers on Miami Beach.
“It’s too much police,” said Gwen, visiting from Orlando. “I understand ya’ll are out here to make us be safe, but ya’ll stoppin’ the fun.”
Added Be’asia, also from Orlando: “On top of all that ya’ll, it’s boring.”
For a second year, city officials are standing by their break-up with Spring Break.
“I personally think it’s horrible now,” said Miami Beach resident Natalie Navarro. “All the cops, barely anybody’s here anymore. There’s no point in coming to Miami for Spring Break.”
Along Ocean Drive, law enforcement could be seen scattered about as part of the city’s strategic marketing plan in part to deter crowds and the circus of problems that have plagued South Beach in years past.
The plan, like last year, is to enforce strict curfews, closing of select South Beach parking garages, parking rates increased to $100 for nonresident and double the price of towed vehicles.
It appears the breakup is working.
According to a spokesperson for the Miami Beach Police Department, there has been an 18% decrease in Spring Break-related arrests compared to the year prior.
“Everybody is calm and collected,” said Tyshawn Walker, visiting from Philadelphia. “There’s not too much going on, but there’s not too little going on. It’s just right.”
Many have ultimately decided to head north to Fort Lauderdale.
“This is where everybody is at,” said Iyannah, who came to Fort Lauderdale from Miami. “Everybody is like come to Fort Lauderdale, so we came.”