FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Spring Break is officially back in South Florida and authorities in Fort Lauderdale are planning to keep a strong police presence on the streets during the holiday.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is encouraging all visitors and local residents to educate themselves on the city’s municipal ordinances and special event procedures, which you can read here.
According to police, the possessing or providing of alcohol to people under 21 is strictly prohibited.
Fort Lauderdale Police Maj. Bill Schultz wants everyone to have fun, but reminded visitors and residents Friday that there are rules in place for beachgoers.
“Remember that there are no tents, tables or amplified music allowed on our beach,” he said.
As public safety continues to remain the number one priority, Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan told Local 10 News that he hopes that Spring Break goes smoothly and is injury free.
“The goal is to return you back home the same way you came here. Unfortunately, this time of year, we see a lot of injuries that are alcohol-related,” he said.
Gollan also reminded people to stay hydrated while out in the sun, and although drinking alcohol is prohibited out on the sand, he encourages everyone to drink water.
City leaders say spring breakers won’t just be flocking to Fort Lauderdale beach, as South Beach also remains a popular destination.
Sky 10 flew over South Beach early Friday morning as some people were getting some sun. City officials told Local 10 News they expect larger crowds by Monday.
“All of our lifeguard stands are there to protect you,” Gollan said.
Several Fort Lauderdale bars are looking out for patrons by distributing special koozies that offer safety tips and ridesharing information for visitors and residents.
“We put the coaster inside to test their drink and the back of the koozie has tips on staying safe and verifying your rideshare,” said an officer.
FLPD also announced that they teamed up with local establishments to promote safety and prevent sexual assault within the city of Fort Lauderdale.
The Bar Watch program consists of a network of people, including bar staff and police officers, who know how to identify and act upon potentially troublesome situations.
For more information on the Bar Watch program, click here.
FLPD released the following procedures for ridesharing and designated pickup areas:
Ridesharing Information
• Rideshares designated pick up/drop off locations will be established for the duration of Spring Break on Fort Lauderdale Beach and along Southwest 2nd Street in downtown.
• Rideshare drivers are encouraged to utilize these designated locations to avoid receiving a traffic citation.
• All rideshare drivers are strictly prohibited from stopping along State Road A1A.
• When using rideshare programs, remember to always check your ride before getting in.
Uber Safety Tips:
• Share My Trip:
Once a trip starts, riders can use the “Share My Trip” feature in the app to share their driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location with a friend or family member so they can follow the trip in real time.
Uber users will receive a text or push notification that tracks the trip and the estimated time of arrival.
• Check Your Ride:
We remind riders to double-check the important details we provide before starting a trip - car make and model, license plate, driver name and photo.
Riders should always confirm this information before getting into the car.
To read more about the “Check Your Ride” steps, please visit: https://www.uber.com/newsroom/check-your-ride/.
Fort Lauderdale’s Micro Mover:
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Micro Mover service powered by Circuit is a fun and convenient way to explore Fort Lauderdale
Their fleet of electric, open-air vehicles and expert local drivers will take passengers to the best hotspots for food, shopping, and fun throughout the service area.
To download the app on iOS or Android and start exploring today, please visit: www.ridecircuit.com.
Miami Beach
Enhanced police staffing is already in place and special programming for the month will begin Friday night.
The City of Miami Beach is welcoming residents and visitors this March with a citywide focus on personal fitness, wellness, sporting competitions and live entertainment during spring break.
“We hope to give our visitors a true taste of the South Florida lifestyle in Miami Beach this year with outdoor activities and fun for the entire family,” said Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak in a press release. “We are planning a wide range of free and ticketed events during all four weekends in March as part of Miami Beach Live!”
Complimentary Crunch fitness classes will also be offered every weekend at 10th Street and Ocean Drive.
According to event organizers, Friday, Saturday and Sunday classes will include Zumba, Zumba Mashup vs. Hard Knocks, Vinyasa Yoga, Sexy Stretch and Dance de la Soul.
Walk-ups are welcome and for more information please visit: www.MiamiBeachLive.com for the class schedule.
March 3-6 will feature a Friday night movie screening of the “The Birdcage” in Lummus Park at 7:30 p.m.
A free “United First Responders MusicFest” will take place on Saturday and Winter Party’s “Beach Party” on Sunday.
The music festival showcases the sounds of first responders on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 6th Street and Ocean Drive with the InBlue Police Band.
The event will include a display village that showcases vehicles and agency capabilities as well as a kid zone.
Staffing
“Staffing levels for the Miami Beach Police Department, fire rescue, ocean rescue, code compliance and parking and sanitation will be significantly enhanced throughout the month of March. Goodwill Ambassadors will also be deployed on weekends to provide a warm welcome and safety information to visitors,” said the City of Miami in a news release.
Parking
City of Miami Beach released the following information in regard to parking during Spring Break:
A flat parking rate of $20 per vehicle will be in effect at all city parking garages in the entertainment district (except for access card holders) from Thursday through Sunday each weekend in March. This includes garages at 7th Street and Collins Avenue, 12th Street and Washington Avenue, 13th Street and Collins Avenue as well as the Anchor Garage on 16 Street.
Parking will be restricted between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue from 6-8 streets beginning March 2 at 6 p.m. through March 6 at 7 a.m. and again from March 9 at 6 p.m. through March 13. at 7 a.m.
From March 16-20 and March 23-27, on-street parking will be prohibited along Collins Avenue in the South Beach entertainment district beginning at 6 p.m. each Thursday through Monday 4 at 7 a.m. Residential Zone 5 parking permit holders are exempt from the aforementioned restrictions, unless noted with posted signage.