Miami Beach doesn’t want wild spring breakers visiting the city this March, and has rolled out a new campaign, a commercial, and a string of strict measures to discourage them from visiting.
The city launched its ‘Spring Break Breakup’ campaign declaring that “Miami Beach is breaking up with spring break.”
“Expect curfews, security searches, and bag checks at beach access points, early beach entrance closures, DUI checkpoints, bumper-to-bumper traffic, road closures and arrests for drug possession and violence,” the city warned.
The accompanying commercial also mentions $100 parking. This rate will, however, be in effect for the 42 Street garage between Royal Palm and Sheridan Avenues (G6). The flat parking rate does not apply to Miami Beach residents, access card holders, permit holders, or employees with proper identification.
Miami Beach also listed the following laws and regulations on its website:
THE FOLLOWING IS ILLEGAL:
- Consumption of alcohol in public.
- Smoking tobacco or
- marijuana on beaches or in parks.
- Possession or consumption of narcotics.
- Driving under the influence.
- Driving a scooter or vehicle irresponsibly.
- Violence of any kind.
PROHIBITED ON THE BEACH:
- Smoking cigarettes or filtered tobacco products.
- Consumption of alcohol.
- Narcotics and marijuana.
- Large tents, tables or similar structures.
- Loud music.
- Large coolers.
- Glass containers.
- Styrofoam and plastic straws.
There will be no sidewalk seating on Ocean Drive from March 8-10 and March 15-17, the city said.
Why the breakup?
The new rules — passed by the city last month — follow a chaotic spring break last March that saw 488 arrests — more than 230 of which were felony offenses. More than 100 firearms were seized.
Two deadly shootings also put Miami Beach in national headlines as crowds swarmed Ocean Drive, which led to a brief liquor sale curfew.
Police Chief Wayne Jones told reporters that tourists could expect a larger police presence “than you’ve ever seen before.”
“It will be difficult to get here to our city, and once you get here, the expectation will be that you play by the rules,” Jones said.
“If you are looking to cause problems, do not come to Miami Beach,” Jones said. “Our message is simple: we want people to enjoy their time here, but will not tolerate the behavior we have witnessed in the past few years.”
