Despite the massive crowds of young people showing up to party all across Florida for spring break this month, Miami Beach is sending a clear message: the drunken crowds are no longer welcome.
For the first weekend of what is typically a crazy stretch of partying in the state, crowds were noticeably dialed back compared to previous years.
This is in part due to a number of new restrictions enacted in cities throughout the state meant to help curb the crowds. In Miami Beach, authorities have started closing down beaches at 6 p.m. to dial in the crowds, stopping partiers from getting out of control.
Videos and photos on social media showed that young Americans were enjoying their spring break, with the New York Post reporting that a brawl and other drunken behavior still hit the city despite tighter restrictions and a clear unwelcome.
The Post reported that police in Miami Beach and federal agents were also visible near the crowds, keeping an eye on the party-filled beaches.
The increased patrols and restrictions come after two fatal shootings in just 36 hours in 2023 in the area and after three consecutive years of violence.
Earlier this month, Miami Beach attempted to split from the tradition of debauchery, saying in a video that it was trying to break up with spring breakers.
“Hey, Spring Break, we’re over,” the video said.
A woman in the video shares more on the restrictions, meant to dissuade the party-hungry crowds from visiting the city and its beaches.
“This March, you can expect things like curfews, bag checks and restricted beach access, DUI checkpoints, $100 parking, and strong police enforcement for drug possession and violence,” the woman in the video says.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has also shared his thoughts on the increased violence surrounding spring breakers, vowing to crack down on the malfeasance.
“We welcome visitors who come to enjoy our great state, but we will not allow anyone to wreak havoc on our communities,” he said in a post on X.