Miami Beach says it's breaking up with spring break, or, at least, that's the plan
Miami Beach is trying to break up with spring break, but it's not yet clear whether spring break will take the hint.
After three consecutive years of spring break violence, Miami Beach officials are implementing monthlong security measures aimed at curbing the chaos, including parking restrictions for nonresidents and closing sidewalk cafes on busy weekends. The city has warned visitors to expect curfews, bag searches at the beach, early beach closures, DUI checkpoints, and arrests for drug possession and violence. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that 45 state law enforcement officers are also being deployed to the city to bolster the police.
But business owners in the city's world-famous South Beach neighborhood are now concerned that they'll lose money during one of the busiest times of the year, and civil rights
advocates say the restrictions are an overreaction to large Black crowds.
Many of the city's restrictions aren't new, but in past years, they were instituted as emergency measures during the unofficial holiday — not measures put in place ahead of time.
“The status quo and what we've seen in the last few years is just not acceptable, not tolerable,” Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said.
Meiner said crowds have become unmanageable despite a robust police presence. He said the city, which is situated on a barrier island across the bay from Miami, can only hold so many people, and that capacity has often exceeded what's safe for both visitors and residents during the break.
DeSantis said at a Miami Beach news conference that Florida is going to crack down on anyone who violates the law during spring break.
“Florida is a very welcoming state. We welcome people to come and have a good time. What we don't welcome is criminal activity. What we don't welcome is mayhem and people who want to wreak havoc on our communities,” he said.
Most spring break activity centers around a 10-block stretch of Ocean Drive known for its art deco hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.
South Beach became popular among Black tourists about two decades ago as promoters organized Urban Beach Week during the Memorial Day weekend. Many locals have complained about violence and other crime associated with the event, which led to an increased police presence. But the event's continued popularity correlates to a bump in Black tourism throughout the year.
A renewed crackdown in 2023, however, led to a 44% reduction in crime, and the city is imposing similar rules this year. Talamantez said he doubts anything Miami Beach is doing will be more strict than the enforcement measures in Panama City Beach.