by Spring break in Miami Beach looks different this year, as crowds of students flock from across the country for the annual ritual of sunshine and youthful hedonism.
The palm trees, soft sand and cool blue waters of the Atlantic that draw thousands to the party of the month are still there. Only now they are clouded by scores of armed law enforcement officers, many of whom were dispatched at the behest of Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
Related: Florida to deploy state trooper during spring break to prevent ‘lawlessness’
Unprecedented images of South Beach as a military zone, combined with $100 parking, alcohol bans, bar and beach closures and curfews, hardly suggest a generally pro-tourism Miami Beach.
After years of back-to-back unrest, in which spring break weekends have been marred by mob violence, including murders, shootings, rapes and robberies, the authorities feel they have little choice but to be party poopers.
“We’re breaking up,” Miami Beach tells students in a lighthearted, albeit serious, crackdown video posted on YouTube.
“We’ve had enough,” was the parallel message from the city’s self-styled law and order mayor, Steven Meiner, as he appeared next to DeSantis at a press conference Wednesday announcing the deployment of 140 state troopers and other resources to help with local people. law enforcement in popular spring break cities in Florida.
In Miami Beach, where many students arrived early for the opening days of spring break this weekend, there has been much rejoicing, mixed with a few grumblings from the business community about the extent of the restrictions.
“Nobody wants the city to look like a military state, it’s not good for our image as a tourism leader,” said Michael Góngora, former Miami Beach Commissioner and mayoral candidate.
“But safety comes first and I think it’s necessary to send the message that we really want to end the spring break madness that we’ve seen in previous years. I hope we have a more peaceful year.”
Góngora admits many of the problems that occurred, not only because of visits to students, but to the local people.
“Most of the people who come here and get arrested are south Florida residents who are not spring breakers but just want to be near the party, and unfortunately they’re the ones who bring guns and drugs and creates havoc in the city,” he said.
He also has sympathy for small business owners, such as members of the Ocean Drive Association (ODA) who wrote to the commission concerned about the financial consequences, and some aspects of the safety plan, including getting rid of public seating along a packed route with him. bars, restaurants and hotels.
“It is a legitimate concern for the hotels that this could draw the party closer to their property and create safety issues for their guests, and also that their businesses are not taken into account in these decisions. Márta, who used to be a big financier, is now a big loss,” he said.
Ceci Velasco, the executive director of the ODA, told the commission that her group was not concerned with being “less strict”, but making sure that the planning was done correctly.
“While the conversation at the Commission is focused on spring breaker control, many of our places of business on Ocean Drive will be filled with highly paid guests who must be welcomed, cared for and long-term during their time on the South Beach,” she added. said.
Brittnie Bassant, executive director of the Miami Beach chamber of commerce, said her members also felt security was a top priority, but wanted their voices heard in future planning.
“We look forward to working with the city in the coming months to make sure we’re balancing the interests of the business as well as the safety of the entire community,” she said.
Other business owners are planning to “attract” future spring breakers by offering alternative entertainment, such as a huge music festival with big stars.
“Can you imagine the crowd that would turn out to see Lady Gaga perform a farewell performance with Elton John on stage in South Beach?” said David Wallack, owner of Mango’s Tropical Cafe, one of South Beach’s most popular restaurant nightclubs.
“I totally understand locking him up, but now what do we do? What cultural phenomenon is big enough to displace this whole thing, all the hotel rooms for rent, 22,000 in Miami Beach and all the Airbnbs? You have to have the biggest stars.”
Wallack said he had done the “bullshit” of spring break street violence, which he said forced him to shield customers with his car during a stampede last year.
He said he has been talking to promoters who are willing to invest millions of dollars to bring an event like the North Sea Jazz Festival from Curaçao to Florida, which he said would be profitable for business and allow for spring break enjoyment. to remove it safely for those who attended.
“This whole thing is a huge experience for all these kids on the street,” he said. “They have a party out there, and that’s a cultural phenomenon. The police alone cannot get rid of him.”
