Miami Seaside officers suggest guidelines for the spring break throughout digital assembly – WSVN 7News | Miami Information, Climate, Sports activities

By Marlan McCarthy On Feb 11, 2021

MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – Miami Beach city officials shared their concerns over the recent violent crime in the city and proposed rules for the upcoming spring break during a virtual meeting.

Officials said they expect about 10,000 visitors in the next few weeks and reiterated on Wednesday that there is no tolerance for illegal behavior in their city, but they fear the crimes could get worse with the spring break ahead.

“If you want to party without restrictions, go somewhere else, in Vegas,” said city manager Raul Aguila. “It will not be tolerated. We will take a zero-tolerance attitude towards this behavior. “

The guide discussion comes after a triple shooting outside The Licking on Washington Avenue and Eighth Street, a stab on Collins Avenue and 13th Street, and other violent incidents.

Police made arrests after most of the events but are still looking for the accused shooter behind the shooting outside of The Licking. After the January 31 shooting, officials installed a new surveillance camera in the area.

Four people were arrested Wednesday after a confrontation that was videotaped outside the same restaurant.

“With all of the crime that has happened, all of the challenges that have happened during this period are from visitors – really as perpetrators – against other visitors who are victims,” said Dan Gelber, Miami Beach Mayor.

Officials plan to introduce the following proposed rules for the spring break this year:

Access to the beach is restricted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
No alcohol, refrigerators or rubber boats are allowed on the beach.
Tents or tables are not allowed.
Dance or entertainment events are not permitted.
Street cafés close at midnight.
The staff for the city and the police will be increased.

“That’s 214 residents outside of the state, and 29 firearms were confiscated,” said Raul Acosta, Miami Beach deputy chief of police. “People come here armed and that is a concern of the police.”

The recent increase in crime led to an increased police presence in the city last weekend. The Miami-Dade Police Department assisted Miami Beach police officers in patrolling the entertainment district and arrested over 100 people.

Miami Beach officials and officials are preparing for a six-week spring break that will last through April.

“So it’s an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Rick Clements, Miami Beach police chief. “I think Monday through Thursday and Sunday we have 280 officers within 24 hours who are there within those 24 hours. On Saturday you have 360 officers, so everyone is working. “

“We expect the worst. We’re planning it, ”said Wayne Jones, Miami Beach deputy chief of police. “We expect this to be the biggest and longest spring break we’ve ever seen.”

Police also suggested closing several streets during the spring break, but commissioners continued to discuss public safety at that meeting.