Police Laying Down Law For South Florida Spring Break
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - In about a week and a half, Spring Break gets underway with many college students planning to come to South Florida.
This year Fort Lauderdale, which is always a hot spot for the annual tradition, may see a smaller group of Spring Breakers since many colleges and universities are continuing their classes and not having an official break.
Those who do come should be aware of the rules.
This year police will not allow rideshare drivers to pick up or left off passengers on State Road A1A. Instead, there will be a designated pick-up/drop-off point at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 East Las Olas Boulevard.
Rideshare drivers caught violating the rule will be issued citations.
Safety lanes will be set up on A1A.
"We utilized those last year and in light of COVID and the barricades on A1A we ensured safe pedestrian walkways," said Fort Lauderdale interim Assistant Police Chief Frank Sousa
The city welcomes those who are planning to come to town, as long as they play by the rules.
That means if you are under 21 - no booze. Those under the legal drinking age are not allowed to have alcohol and businesses are not allowed to sell it to them or serve it to them.
Speaking of alcohol, open containers are only allowed inside enclosed structures, like bars and restaurants.
"No alcoholic containers or beverages are allowed on the sandy portion of the beach. We don't have an open container policy along the beach. They are allowed to drink but only in licensed establishments," said Sousa.
People may also be cited or arrested for refusing to leave or returning to an establishment after being warned and causing a public disturbance while intoxicated. Other offenses include fighting or violent threatening behavior and public indecency, which includes exposing sexual organs or female breasts.
"We're asking for the cooperation of students who come to Fort Lauderdale," said Sousa.
The city would like to remind those coming to town to wear masks while around others and maintain social distancing.
"There is a prohibition of tents being erected on the sand as well as canopies. Keep in mind COVID and what we've gone through as a country in the last year. We obviously encourage social distancing in that individuals can remain at a safe distance from one another," said Sousa.
Miami Beach also announced enhanced safety measures for Spring Break.
They include no alcohol consumption in public spaces, capacity limited on public beaches, and limits will be placed on live music. Coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables and similar objects will not be allowed on public beaches.
Miami Beach has a nightly curfew from midnight to 6 a.m. Liquor sales stop at 10 p.m. In the Art Deco Cultural District, which encompasses parts of Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue between 5th and 16th streets liquor sales stop at 8 p.m.
"If people come here to go crazy, please don't. Go somewhere else. If you come here, don't think you can cause problems. We have rules and regulations in regard to COVID. Go somewhere else," said Mayor Dan Gelber.
Miami Beach is not issuing permits for big events and will aggressively enforce its mask mandate.
"We're still walking up to people and asking them to wear a mask or we will give them away," said Gelber.
Broward will also enforce its mask mandate and monitor bars and restaurants close.
"If we are going to avoid shutting down business we need to continue with the masks and social distancing," said Broward Mayor Steve Geller.
Spring Break 2021 is expected to begin Saturday, February 28th, and will continue through Sunday, April 18th.