Miami Beach officials face criticism as ‘spineless’ over response to fatal shootings at ‘drug infested’ Ocean Drive
Osagie Jordan Idahosa was among the two dead during shootings on spring break in Miami Beach, where police officers recently reported that since the rowdy spring break parties began they had seized over 100 firearms and arrested nearly 490 people.
Suspect in Ocean Drive murder pleads not guilty as his attorney reviews case
Tamarius Davis, who allegedly told Miami Beach police officers he had killed a father on Ocean Drive during a magic mushroom-induced psychosis, remained behind bars on Tuesday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County.
South Beach residents don’t want young father’s heroic sacrifice on Ocean Drive to be forgotten
Irene Bigger didn’t get to meet Dustin Wakefield, a 21-year-old father who was on vacation in South Beach when a man — who appeared to be under a magic mushroom-induced psychosis — murdered him on Aug. 24 on Ocean Drive.
Controversial regulation on alcohol sales starts May 22 in some areas of South Beach
A new controversial regulation aims to change the out-of-control party on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue in South Beach. Business owners who benefit from the nightlife atmosphere there say that not only will the measure not work, but it will hurt the local economy.
Florida supera 2.2 millones de casos de COVID-19 desde que comenzó la pandemia, datos muestran disminución de muertes diarias
Funcionarios de salud de Florida confirmaron este domingo 7,411 nuevos casos de COVID-19 y 53 muertes de residentes a causa del virus. Los datos arrojan en los reportes diarios que las muertes van disminuyendo.
Drivers experience delays in both directions of MacArthur Causeway due to closure, crash
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – MacArthur Causeway traffic delays started late Friday night and continued on Saturday morning. There was also a crash in the westbound lanes of the MacArthur Causeway near Palm Island. The crash prompted officers to close all westbound lanes and ask drivers to use the Julia Tuttle Causeway to get from Miami Beach to Miami instead. #TRAFFIC: Westbound MacArthur Cswy CLOSED due to a traffic crash just west of Palm Island. — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 27, 2021
South Beach hotel manager faces battery charge for sexually ‘overpowering’ inebriated woman
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A Miami Beach hotel manager is facing a misdemeanor battery charge after he was accused of sexually overpowering an inebriated woman against her will, according to the arrest form. The woman was a guest at the hotel. Miami Beach police officers arrested Anthony Banderas, 55, who works and lives at the Room Mate Waldorf Towers Hotel, at 860 Ocean Dr., on Tuesday. Officers talked to a witness who said she is from Texas and she was sharing a hotel room with the victim. The witness told police officers Bandera brought ice to the room and pretended to care about the victim’s wellbeing.
Miami Beach hones its strategy as another spring break weekend nears
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A much more toned-down Clevelander is back open Wednesday on Miami Beach, after the Ocean Drive hotspot voluntarily shut down last week over safety concerns for its workers and patrons. “We will, I will and my colleagues will, police to bad behavior — not to race, not to ethnicity,” Debra Martineau, a neighborhood resource officer for the Miami Beach police, said at the meeting. Earlier this week, some Black community leaders questioned whether race is playing role in the increase of police activity during spring break. Ad“Rather than make a push, we’re sort of just let the crowd fizzle out,” Miami Beach Police Deputy Chief Wayne Jones said. The numbers are expected to be slightly fewer than this past weekend.
Miami's South Beach confronts disastrous spring break
People in a mostly maskless crowd walk down Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida's famed South Beach, Monday, March 22, 2021. A party-ending curfew is in effect in Miami Beach, imposed after fights, gunfire, property destruction and dangerous stampedes broke out among huge crowds of people. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Florida’s famed South Beach is desperately seeking a new image. Ad“We definitely want people to come and have fun," Miami Beach Commissioner Ricky Arriola said Monday. Miami Beach took less proactive measures under Republican Gov.
South Beach party just moves in different direction despite 8 p.m. imposed curfew
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Crowds were packed in tight on Ocean Drive Sunday night. Once again, Miami Beach and law enforcement who had joined to help them had their hands full. An emergency commission meeting held on Sunday extended the curfew Thursday night through early Monday mornings through April 12. It’s a shame,” said Urmi Macknack who lives in Miami Beach. RELATED: Emergency commission meeting extends curfew, causeway closures through April 12
Ocean Drive melee prompts Miami Beach officers to fire pepper balls at crowd
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A street melee on Ocean Drive, between Seventh and Eighth streets, prompted police officers to fire pepper balls to disperse a crowd on Thursday night in South Beach. Miami Beach Fire Rescue personnel responded to help the few who were injured. Spring breakers forced the Miami Beach Police Department to get help from other law enforcement agencies, including the Miami-Dade and Coral Gables police departments. Most of the arrests officers have made since Feb. 3 have been on the busy area of Ocean Drive, and Collins and Washington avenues, between Fifth and 16th streets. A shooting on Monday on Collins Avenue and Sixth Street left Sowe Amadu, 27, a Miami Beach resident, dead.
It’s still winter? Miami reaches high of 87 during the last week of winter
This week, expect temperatures to reach the upper 80s. According to the Local 10 10-Day Forecast, those in Miami can expect temperatures to hover around the low 80s up until Wednesday, and temperatures to reach 87 degrees beginning Thursday. “Once we see the morning fog diminish expect mostly sunny skies with highs reaching the low 80s. Get out and enjoy.”AdLocal 10 Meteorologist Brandon Orr commemorated the last week of winter by sharing a funny tweet comparing the drastic differences in temperature between South Florida and Denver, Colorado. For the most up-to-date weather forecast, visit Local 10 Weather or follow Local 10 Weather on Twitter.
Wild night in Miami Beach: Women twerk on police car, 2 officers injured
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – It was a wild Friday night in South Beach. Miami Beach Officer Ernesto Rodriguez, a spokesman for the department, said two officers were injured while dealing with a very large crowd near Eighth Street and Ocean Drive. “While taking a subject into custody, officers were forced to utilize pepper balls to disperse members of the crowd who were disorderly and surrounding officers,” Rodriguez said. 1/2 — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 13, 2021Several subjects have been detained. 2/2 — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 13, 2021
People in crowd throw bottles at officers in South Beach, police say
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – People in a crowd threw bottles at police officers on Thursday evening in South Beach, according to the Miami Beach Police Department. Officers were dealing with large crowds at about 9:30 p.m. in the area of 11th Street and Collins Avenue. Police officers stand on Thursday evening at the intersection of 11th Street and Collins Avenue. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, police officers are facing larger crowds during Spring Break season which ends on April 12th. Police officers and code enforcement officers are mostly focused on the area of Fifth and 16th Streets, between Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue.
Police: Man, 18, surrenders after leaving teen with loaded gun, stolen car in South Beach
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Isariel Delestre surrendered to the Miami Beach Police Department on Monday night after fleeing from officers during a chaotic chase in a stolen black Cadillac, authorities said. Isariel Delestre, 18, has been arrested in connection with a police chase in Miami Beach. Officer Ernesto Rodriguez, a spokesman for the Miami Beach Police Department, said the officer did the right thing. AdThe teenager ran out of the car after getting a flat tire at Washington Avenue and Sixth Street. “Well, if you’re coming here because you think it’s an anything goes place, please turn around or go somewhere else,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said.
WATCH: South Beach chaos as 15-year-old driver flees police, sends outdoor diners running for cover
Miami Beach police had an area of South Beach shut down while they investigated the driver of a stolen car who led them on a chase. (Miami Beach Police Department)The wild ride continued, striking another officer’s motorcycle near 2nd Street and Ocean Drive. “While they apprehend the suspect, the officer noticed the vehicle start to smoke,” Miami Beach Police Department spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez said. “This is the first time something so close happening in South Beach — is really scary. RELATED: Women’s street fight leaves 1 injured in South BeachCOVID-19 and violent crimes have Miami Beach on alert
US employment costs rise modestly in fourth quarter
Total U.S. workers compensation rose 0.7% in the October-December quarter, an increase over the previous two quarters, the Labor Department said Friday. For the year, wages and benefits grew 2.5%, with wages and salaries up 2.6% and benefits, which include Social Security, grew 2.3%. Wages and salaries grew 0.9% in the final quarter of 2020 while benefits rose 0.6%. Compensation costs for private industry workers rose 0.5% in the quarter and 2.6% in 2020. Economists say moderate gains in wages and salaries, which make up 70% of employment costs, are generally not threatening to trigger inflationary pressure.
Wind forces Miami Beach to cancel New Year’s Eve fireworks display
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The windy weather prevented Miami Beach from hosting the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display on Thursday in South Beach, officials said. Kendarius Bonds, of Atlanta, Georgia, was among the tourists who were waiting for NYE fireworks on Ocean Drive. Bonds said he was happy to visit Miami Beach for the first time. Ahmed Elsayed and Ronnie Albahno were visiting Miami Beach from San Diego, California. Miami Beach police officers were asking people to wear face masks and social distance.
Hollywood police shoot armed, naked man outside residential building
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred Monday night in Hollywood, authorities confirmed Tuesday morning. Lata said officers arrived at the scene to find the naked man holding a gun. According to Lata, officers rendered aid to the man who was eventually transported to a local hospital by Hollywood Fire Rescue. No officers were injured during the ordeal and the suspect’s gun was recovered at the scene, Lata said. Authorities had a white car blocked off in front of the building, which was towed away Tuesday morning.
Florida sheriff bans masks for deputies with some exceptions
Florida added at least 276 fatalities to its coronavirus death toll on Tuesday, a new state record. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. A central Florida sheriff says his deputies wont be allowed to wear face masks except under some conditions, and neither will visitors to the sheriffs office. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said in an email to staff that he had weighed both sides of the issue amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, Florida reported 213 new coronavirus deaths. At the sheriffs office, masks wont be allowed so that visitors can be easily identified and there is clear communication, the sheriff said.
Miami Beach plans rezoning entertainment district to end wild Bourbon Street parties
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Miami Beachs sun, surf and sand brand has changed. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said that over the last few decades, Ocean Drive has grown to resemble a beachfront Bourbon Street. Gelber and some of the commissioners want to transform the entertainment district into a cultural district. They are considering enforcing the change with a zoning overhaul, a midnight last-call for alcohol, and an oversight committee. And not just do what we have been doing, which are a lot of one-off things that dont address the issue, said Ricky Arriola, a Miami Beach commissioner.
Coronavirus: South Florida curfews in effect as officials hope to stem the spread of COVID-19
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. A normally bustling Ocean Drive was eerily quiet Saturday night thanks to a new curfew in place aimed at trying to stop the spread of COVID-19. The countywide curfew of 10 p.m. has been changed to 8 p.m. along South Beachs entertainment district. The move affects businesses and restaurants along Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington avenues between 5th and 16 streets. Miami Beach police officers were out patrolling the streets to make sure people are respecting the new early curfew. In the meantime, a new emergency order is in place in Broward County with a curfew there too, which went into effect Friday nightThe curfew is critical, said Broward County Mayor Dale Holness.
US holiday weekend adds to virus worries as case counts grow
The Fourth of July holiday weekend began Saturday with some sobering numbers in the Sunshine State: Florida logged a record number of people testing positive for the coronavirus. Officials and health authorities warned people to take precautions or simply stay home on Independence Day, as confirmed cases are climbing in 40 states. Florida reported 11,445 confirmed infections on Saturday, bringing the statewide total to more than 190,000. Im really, really worried about the Fourth of July," said Dr. Don Williamson, a former state health officer who now heads the Alabama Hospital Association. Officials in South Florida including in Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys closed beaches through the weekend.
Miami Beach curfew aims to cut down on raucous nights
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. The curfew is back on Miami Beach. Most everyone will have to be in from 12:30 a.m. through 5 a.m. Alcohol sales at all retail locations will cut off at 8 p.m. The County also directed all hotel pools to close by 8pm for the July 4th weekend. pic.twitter.com/D1fDF5udOA Dan Gelber (@MayorDanGelber) July 1, 2020Across Miami-Dade County, crucial decisions are being made as the infection rate goes up. And in the City of Miami, businesses that repeatedly dont follow the rules could face a 30-day shutdown, with their owners subject to arrest.
Chaotic scene that includes gunshots and chemical spray unfolds in South Beach
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Several videos filmed by witnesses in South Beach Tuesday morning show a chaotic scene outside Voodoo Lounge on Ocean Drive, followed by two gunshots. According to a Miami Beach police report, two people were denied entry for not having identification. Reports and videos on social media of lawlessness were a topic of discussion at Mondays Miami Beach City commission meeting. Everyone is absolutely welcome in South Beach and Miami Beach if you are here to obey the laws and have fun. Youre not welcome, Richardson said.
13-year-old activist organizes Black Lives Matter protest on Miami Beach
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Teen activist organizes Black Lives Matter protest on Miami BeachSouth Floridians continue demanding change, and on Sunday they gathered in Miami Beach. The organizer of the protest may be very young, just 13 years old, but shes hoping to make a big difference. The event began at South Pointe Park and ends about 2 miles away on Ocean Drive and 15th Street. They marched along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th Street back on June 9. Sunday was be her fourth protest.
Friends, family gather in Miami Beach to remember murder victim Aubrey Figg
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. A murder mystery on Miami Beach has friends and co-workers of the victim searching for answers and hoping for justice. Many of them gathered on Wednesday afternoon at the Friday's restaurant on Ocean Drive, where Aubrey Figg worked for many years, to remember her. Figg was found dead inside her apartment on Ocean Court on the night of June 3. Miami Beach police say a 911 call came in shortly after 9:30 p.m., and when they arrived they found Figg with a knife wound to the neck. Anyone with information is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Officers investigate shooting in South Beach
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Officers are investigating a shooting Friday afternoon in South Beach, and they are asking drivers to avoid the area of First Street and Ocean Drive. According to Officer Ernesto Rodriguez, a spokesman for the Miami Beach Police Department, officers detained a man at Fifth Street and Collins Court. This is a developing story. Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Wilson Louis contributed to this report.
Girl leads Black Lives Matter protest on Ocean Drive
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A student led a small Black Lives Matter march on Tuesday morning along Ocean Drive in South Beach. About two dozen people followed 13-year-old Egyptia Green, a Ransom Everglades School student, from Fifth to 15th Street. About two dozen protesters marched along Ocean Drive on Tuesday in South Beach. (Local 10 News)Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora, DeAnne Connolly Graham, the chair of the Miami Beach Chamber Women’s Business Council, and a few Miami Beach officers also participated.
Rain, pandemic cause Miami Beach businesses to take major holiday weekend hit
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. A holiday weekend washout left South Beach looking deserted on Memorial Day. The beaches were bare Monday along the famed Ocean Drive, and so too were the businesses. Restaurants in Miami Beach, however, are open for takeout, but are making just a fraction of their normal holiday business. Obviously Miami and Miami Beach is a big fly-in market, so thats going to be a bit of a change. But I think that the Americans that will not go abroad will come to Miami Beach -- because its still Miami Beach.
Beachfront restaurants along Hollywoods Broadwalk will have extra outdoor room to serve customers
Ocean Drive has already been shut down to traffic in order to make room for pedestrians and restaurants, and now Hollywoods Broadwalk appears likely to follow. Soon, Hawkes and other cafe owners along the Broadwalk will be able to put more tables right onto the popular beachfront area. Its a way the City of Hollywood is helping restaurants by establishing two areas theyre calling Temporary Cafe Zones. Along the Broadwalk, the bike path will be closed in the cafe zone, to allow for more pedestrians and tables. For more information on the Temporary Cafe Zone program, click here.
Not everyone happy about no car traffic on Ocean Drive
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The colorful, iconic, and crowded Ocean Drive is a shell of its former self. Beginning Saturday morning, the famed street will be closed to traffic over the weekend and until further notice. Jessica Francos of The Clevelander on Ocean Drive said she thinks it's a great idea for the restaurant business. It’s welcome news to The Clevelander that, with the option of moving tables out onto the street, can serve more people. "Ocean Drive has never been a place where residents support it anything other than a special event," Wallack said.
Businesses in South Florida gearing up for Phase 1 Monday
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Big changes are coming Monday across South Florida and it already began on Saturday on Ocean Drive on Miami Beach. The oceanside street is now closed to vehicle traffic and open for foot and bicycle traffic until further notice. These are just some of the ways that cities and the businesses within them are getting ready to reopen in Phase 1. On Friday, Miami-Dade County Mayor County addressed a variety of questions from expanding transportation services to salons and barber shops. In Broward County, only gyms in apartment buildings, condominiums and HOA associations can open.
NAACP, police respond to video of rough take down on Miami Beach
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A video of a Miami Beach police officer making a rough arrest on Ocean Drive has gone viral, the local chapter of the NAACP is reacting, and so are police. The officers of the Miami Beach Police Department are among the most diverse and well-trained groups in the nation. We professionally police all events in the City of Miami Beach the same and have acted as a model for other police departments across the nation. The Miami Beach Fraternal Order of Police is particularly saddened at the use of this label at a time when we should be focused on the COVID-19 public health crisis. Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of our residents and tourists.”Local 10 received a statement from Miami Beach Police Department Chief Richard Clements who stated: “If you come to Miami Beach to cause problems, we will intervene and take enforcement action.”
1 officer, 1 person hospitalized after Miami Beach shooting
MIAMI BEACH – One person and one police officer were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital following a shooting in Miami Beach, according to the Miami Beach Police Department. The shooting happened at 10th Street and Ocean Drive, police said. The officer was listed in stable condition, while the individual was in critical condition, according to police. Police said the officer was being treated for a stab wound. Ocean Drive was closed between 9th and 11th street after the incident.
Man trying to kill dog on Ocean Drive said 'he had it coming to him’
They also said they saw the man choking the dog with a leash and punching the black Lab. Officers reported that Sepulveda, 51, told them “he was going to kill the dog, because he had it coming to him!”Several witnesses, including Alabama tourist Derrick Childrey, rescued the dog and detained Sepulveda, who told officers the dog had attacked him first. At his arraignment, Judge Gisela Cardonne Ely told Sepulevada that she found probable cause to charge him. Flora Beal with Miami-Dade Animal Services said they are in the midst of a court process to make sure the dog, whose name is Roy, does not return to an abusive owner. Roy will eventually be available for adoption, according to Miami-Dade Animal Services.
Hurricane Dorian doesn't deter South Beach visitors
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - It was business as usual along bustling Ocean Drive early Saturday in South Beach. "We weren't sure what to do if we left Monday," one woman told Local 10 News reporter Saira Anwer as Hurricane Dorian poses a threat to Florida. "We tracked flights to see if there were any earlier flights going out, but all flights were booked," she said. "It ain't Miami without the hurricanes," a man tells Local 10 News reporter Saira Anwer as he parties on South Beach ahead of Hurricane Dorian. Some Miami Beach locals told Anwer they have still prepared for the storm, but are optimistic.