Photo Credit: D.A. Varela / Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images
Miami Beach has been struggling with spring break violence for the third year in a row, with two fatal shootings and unruly crowds despite a massive police presence and activities designed to give people alternatives to drinking alcohol and roaming the streets. In response, commissioners voted on Monday not to extend the curfew that had been enforced Sunday night, despite the violent events. The decision won in a 4-3 vote after a heated debate in an emergency meeting.
While some commissioners wanted to impose more stringent measures, such as metal detectors and security fences, others believed that these measures would have a detrimental effect on law-abiding businesses. Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez noted that the worst chaos occurs during the third weekend of spring break when the Ultra Music Festival draws thousands of people to South Beach.
The panel did decide, as it did last year, to force liquor stores in the South Beach area to close early at 6 p.m. next weekend. However, officials did point out that the city manager still has emergency authority to order a 72-hour curfew despite the commission’s reluctance.
Mayor Dan Gelber wants the violence and disorder to stop, stating in a video statement issued on Sunday that “The volume of people in our city, the unruly nature of too many, and the presence of guns has created a peril that cannot go unchecked.” He added, “We don’t ask for spring break in our city. We don’t want spring break in our city.”
Miami Beach police reported at least 322 arrests on a variety of charges between Feb. 27 and Sunday, and more than 70 firearms were confiscated during that time. Despite police officers working up to 14-hour shifts six days a week, according to a city emergency declaration, the violence and chaos have persisted. As Miami Beach struggles to find a solution to the recurring problem, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to ensure public safety and maintain the city’s image.
