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Miami Beach, FL - Miami Beach is implementing stringent measures to deter unruly behavior during the upcoming spring break season.
The city unveiled its "Spring Break Reality Check" campaign on Tuesday, featuring a 90-second parody trailer that highlights the consequences of illegal and disorderly conduct.
The video portrays a group of young individuals eager to party, only to be confronted by the stringent "Rules of Miami Beach," emphasizing that such behavior will lead to immediate and costly repercussions.
Building upon last year's "Miami Beach Is Breaking Up With Spring Break" initiative, the city continues to discourage its reputation as a party destination.
Officials have stated, "Disorderly crowds, lawless behavior, and violence will not be tolerated."
Anticipating large crowds, particularly during the weekends of March 13-16 and March 20-23, Miami Beach has announced several high-impact measures:
- Parking Restrictions: Parking garages and surface lots south of 23rd Street will be closed during these peak weekends. Additionally, a $100 flat fee parking rate will be enforced at the Sunset Harbour Garage on 19th Street and Bay Road (G10) and the 42nd Street garage between Royal Palm and Sheridan avenues (G6).
- DUI Checkpoints: A sobriety checkpoint will be established along the 400 block of 5th Street starting at 7 p.m.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Ocean Drive will be accessible to vehicles only via 13th Street, with a single exit at 5th Street. Barricades will line the west side of Ocean Drive to reduce pedestrian-vehicle interactions.
- Increased Towing Fees: The nonresident towing rate will be doubled to $516 for vehicles towed in South Beach, plus a $30 administrative fee.
- Beach Access Control: Security checkpoints will be set up at beach entrances on Ocean Drive to ensure prohibited items are not brought onto the beach.
These measures will also be in effect every Thursday through Sunday during the first (February 27th - March 2nd), second (March 6th-9th), and fifth (March 27th-30th) weekends in March.
Tourists are reminded that many short-term rentals, including those booked through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, for periods of less than six months and one day, are illegal in Miami Beach.
Fines range from $1,000 per day for the first violation to $5,000 per day for repeat violations.
The city emphasizes that these regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors during the spring break period.
Authorities urge all attendees to familiarize themselves with the rules and to plan accordingly to avoid potential penalties.