With the spring break season akaSpring Break, just around the corner, the Miami Beach Commission approved strong measures to avoid the usual situations of chaos and violence in that city during this period.
Local authorities said they are preparing to face the March holidays with a series of preventive and proactive actions in which there will be "zero tolerance" to chaos, and include increasing police presence not only on the line of the beach, but throughout the city, reportedTelemundo.
"You will not be able to come to our city to create this disorder," they warned tourists traveling from other territories to the south of the so-called Sunshine State.
In addition, the commission approved the installation of checkpoints with license plate readers on the beach access viaducts and breathalyzer (DUI) checkpoints.
In open parking lots, a flat rate of $100 will be charged and towing costs will increase. This measure excludes residents and users with monthly memberships.
"If you break our rules, you'll have to pay $519 to have them come pick up your car," said Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak, who was empowered to impose a curfew if necessary, or shut down businesses. in advance if the situation requires it.
These measures will be implemented with a special focus ontwo critical weekends: from March 8 to 10 and from 15 to 17.
Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez strongly expressed the city's position: "We don't want Spring Break here and it's important that you know that you won't be able to come to our city to create this disorder."
In addition to these extreme measures, preventive actions will be implemented, such as closing access to the beaches between the streets from 5:15 pm to 6 pm.
Starting at that same time, public garages will be closed in that segment and along Washington and Collins avenues.
Although these measures seek to ensure safety and tranquility during Spring Break, some local merchants believe that disrupting the regular functioning of the city can cause more problems.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner supported these proposals, arguing that they are necessary to prevent events that could affect businesses throughout the year. Governor DeSantis also offered resources to actively work with affected jurisdictions.
The city commission will meet again on February 21 to discuss these measures and make final decisions before the start of March.
Last year, Miami Beach authorities imposed a curfew during theSpring Break after sufferingtwo consecutive nights with shootings that left fatalities.
Likewise, in 2022, Miami Beach also imposed a spring break curfew, after several shootings occurred in the city in areas where there were crowds of people.
"Come have a good time, but don't drink openly on our streets," invited Joseph Magazine, Commissioner of Miami Beach.
What do you think?
SEE COMMENTS (1)Filed in:
