MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis was in South Florida Tuesday where he hosted a news conference to discuss the safety measures for Spring break across Florida.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass and FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner also attended the news conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
DeSantis said there will be 17 law enforcement agencies along with over 45 additional state troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol in South Florida monitoring the Spring Break “hot spots,” including Panama City Beach and Daytona Beach.
“We’re a law-and-order state,” he said. “You are going to pay the price and be held accountable if you’re coming for reasons other than to have fun. That is not gonna fly in the Sunshine State.”
“Law and order doesn’t just happen in March,” said Meiner. “It’s sending the message every single day that we are going to enforce our rules.”
DeSantis also confirmed that he is activating 24 quick-response teams to assist with law enforcement.
“We reached out to not just Miami Beach but communities all across the state and said listen, rather than have it where things get out of hand and then the state is asked to come in and provide support, why not just have a plan going in?” he said.
Last year, Miami Beach experienced back-to-back shootings during spring break, prompting city officials to declare a state of emergency.
The city’s police department made over 400 arrests, seized over 100 firearms, and issued over 7,000 traffic citations during Spring Break in 2023.
DeSantis’ announcement comes just days after city officials launched a new, nationwide ad campaign with one simple message geared toward young tourists:
Miami Beach is “breaking up” with spring break.
“Expect curfews, security searches and bag checks at beach access points, early beach entrance closures, DUI checkpoints, bumper-to-bumper traffic, road closures and arrests for drug possession and violence,” states Miami Beach’s official website.
In addition, beach access will be closed starting at 6 p.m.
“Why keep the young people out? They’re bringing money to the city. said tourist Marta Cervero
Supporters of the new campaign say it’s not about money but rather, safety.
But across the bay in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, it’s a much different attitude with many shops and restaurant owners saying to bring on the spring breakers.
“We’re all open for business and Wynwood loves the clients,” said restaurant owner Sven Vogtland. “If Miami Beach doesn’t want them, we’ll be happy to take them.”
David Wallack, who owns Mango’s Tropical Campaign on Ocean Drive, told Local 10 News that the new safety measures may be short-sighted.
“Unless they’re gonna be proactive, which they’re not going to be, then people are going to do what they do and then when something happens, the police are gonna be in force,” he said.
During his press conference, DeSantis reminded business owners in the Miami Beach area that Spring Break could be facing a double-edged sword.
“If you operate a business here, this month can be very good but then, if things get out of hand, it can be a disaster for you,” he said.
Watch the full press conference here: