Arrests Surge as Mayhem Erupts On The Beach

(Daily360.com) Despite weeks of warnings and a heavy police presence, several Spring Break partiers were arrested in Miami Beach.

The city instituted an 11:59 P.M. curfew and said no one could engage in any frivolities until 6 a.m. the following morning. The formerly light-hearted two week long event has become more bloody and violent in recent years. Miami Beach police made 488 arrests and charged 230 felonies last year. Included among those offenses were two homicides and more than 100 confiscated firearms.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that he wants people to come and have a good time but draws the line at potential criminal activity. The city of Miami Beach has been less enthusiastic about welcoming the party goers recently. Citizens launched a campaign in hopes of dissuading people from coming by promoting curfews, bag checks, very high parking fees, and a massive police presence. The official City of Miami Beach Twitter account tweeted “Hey Spring Break, we’re over” indicating the city wanted to break up with the partiers. The city stayed true to its pledge and all of the deterrents were present, including an additional 140 Florida State Troopers on the streets. Despite the warnings and rules, many attendees decided to break curfew and continue partying.

The police moved in immediately and made approximately 270 arrests. Pictures from the event showed police restraining angry men and scantily clad women trying to talk their way out of arrest. The Miami Police Department issued a statement saying they were proud of their officers for controlling the situation, keeping the peace, and making the necessary arrests. The crime situation in Miami Beach had been steadily increasing over the last three years, with 2023 being the worst year for criminal activity for the event.

Miami Beach Police Commissioner Alex Fernandez released a statement praising his city’s law enforcement. He wrote that 2024 saw 26% fewer felony arrests than 2023. He proudly exclaimed “what a difference!” in the statement and credited proactive policing for the improvement. He said citizens were increasingly concerned by swelling crowds but through effective policy they were able to avoid “major incidents.”