Miami Beach powers up to shut down Spring Break

Miami Beach is clamping down to shut down spring break. The city, known for attracting visitors from around the globe, is targeting the March college break to avoid the violence and disorder of past springs.

“The measures I proposed approved by our commission will ensure that our residents, businesses, and visitors are safe and thrive during spring break,” said Mayor Steven Meiner in a city release. “Everyone is invited to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of our city. But we are a law and order city and we will enforce our laws all year round, including during March’s spring break.”

According to the release, every Thursday through Sunday in March the city is slapping a $30 flat parking rate on its own surface lots and garages.

Nonresident towing rates in South Beach will double to $516. Beach entrances will be limited and close at 6 p.m. on Ocean Drive, which will have bag checks and security checkpoints. “Coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables and similar objects will not be permitted on the beach. Amplified music without a city-issued permit will be restricted.”

March 7-10 and 14-17 “are expected to generate the largest spring break crowds,” the release said, so on March 8-10 and 15-17 sidewalk cafes on Ocean Drive will be closed. Police will have “a License Plate Reader detail on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways on March 8-10 and March 15-17 starting at 6 p.m.”

“If you are looking to cause problems, do not come to Miami Beach,” said Police Chief Wayne Jones in the release. “We are fully prepared to ensure our city is safe for everyone. Our message is simple: we want people to enjoy their time here but will not tolerate the behavior we have witnessed in the past few years.”

“Goodwill Ambassadors wearing pink ‘Take Care of Our City’ T-shirts will be deployed throughout the Entertainment District,” the release stated.