Miami Beach commission agrees to state of emergency next Spring Break
MIAMI - Next year's Spring Break in South Beach will look and feel different after city leaders agreed Monday on future curfews, alcohol sales limits, and new security around Ocean Drive.
The measures were taken to prevent the mayhem that happened a week ago.
Commissioners met and agreed to declare a state of emergency next March and begin curfews during problem weeks in March 2024.
They also agreed to close businesses south of 23rd Street and roll back alcohol sales.
"We need to send a bold, resounding message around the world. Do not come to Miami Beach on the third weekend in March if you intend to cause chaos," said Alex Fernandez, Miami Beach Commissioner.
"If you want to come here and bring your illegal weapons, you're not going to get through," said Miami Beach Vice Mayor Steven Meiner.
"It's not a city-organized event like up in Fort Lauderdale or Daytona Beach. We don't ask for it," said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.
"Frankly I've been pushing for a rollback of our liquor sales to 2 a.m. because I think you've got a little bit of Spring Break all year long when you have these all-night parties going on and things like that. This is a live, work, play community - it's not a party all-night community," added Gelber.
City staff will meet with police, business owners, and the city lawyer to lay out specifics like the new alcohol cutoff times and if the secure perimeter will involve metal detectors.
This all comes after two deadly shootings in a popular area of South Beach a week ago.
Some commissioners, however, were not on board with the curfew.
"Just this past year the shooting happened at 10 p.m., so a midnight curfew would not prevent that shooting," said commissioner Ricky Arriola.
Commissioners say they just want a safe place for everyone to visit.
The owner of Mango's, an iconic restaurant on Ocean Drive, said he is totally on board with the changes.
"As a responsible business owner, if they don't, I am going to close Mango's on those two weekends because is too dangerous for my staff," said David Wallack.
Several business owners sat in chambers listening and applauded the commission's moves.
Miami Beach Spring Break Stats:
(February 27th - March 27th)
488 Arrests
237 Felony charges
251 Misdemeanor charges
105 Firearms seized
7,190 Traffic citations issued
