FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH, Fla. — Fort Lauderdale Police Department Officer Carlos Guerra was patrolling the sandy beach on Thursday.

A man was digging a hole with a plastic shovel. It was deep enough for him to stand in, and he was proud.

“In the city of Fort Lauderdale, you’re not allowed to dig a hole. Do me a favor, just go ahead and put everything back.

The man agreed to, but asked Guerra, a poised retired U.S. Marine, to take a picture of him.

“No, I cannot, Sir.”

Spring break tourists have taken over the beach. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport officials are expecting more than 70,000 travelers during peak March, and this weekend is busy.

“There is no drinking on the beach, no alcohol on the beach,” Guerra said while on patrol.

Officer Justin Fairburn has nine years of experience. He was working with a police dog in search of narcotics.

“The dogs will find them, 100% ... a dime bag of cocaine. Especially with wind, the wind coming off the beach, the dog’s going to nail it,” Fairburn said.

Police officers on patrol near the bars were giving out “Have Fun; Stay Safe” koozies.

Here are some barrier island restrictions:

No inflatable devices
No tents, tables or similar structures
No live or amplified music
No alcohol, except from approved hotel vendors

For more information, visit this page.

Behind-the-scenes: Follow Fort Lauderdale police officers on spring break patrol

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Christian De La Rosa

Andrea Torres