Miami Beach Adds More Officers This Weekend

MIAMI BEACH, FL – City officials plan to have more police out on the streets this weekend in addition to the unprecedented beach patrols that have been ordered to challenge people who flagrantly violate alcohol and marijuana laws during spring break.

On Friday, the Miami Beach Police Department increased its staffing to the highest level, known as “Alpha Bravo.” An additional 80 officers from the department were to be deployed, along with another 70 officers from other law enforcement on what is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of spring break. See also Miami Beach Plans Unprecedented Spring Break Crackdown.

“It is vital that our residents feel safe in our city. Nothing is more important than preserving quality of life,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “We also welcome all visitors as long as they follow our laws and respect our community. This is not a place where anything goes, and if that is their reason for coming here, they should go elsewhere.”

Residents in the Flamingo Park and South of Fifth neighborhoods should be prepared to show a photo ID to get to their homes on Friday and Saturday nights.

A license plate reading detail will be on 5 Street and the Julia Tuttle Causeway. Police were at least partly responsible for snarling traffic last weekend with a similar detail on the MacArthur Causeway.

"This change aims to balance public safety without compounding traffic woes," city officials said. "The Julia Tuttle will have two lanes open at all times and one lane closed this weekend during the following times: Friday, March 22, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Saturday, March 23, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m."

In addition to maintaining Ocean Drive as pedestrian only, the city will also prohibit parking along Collins Avenue between 5 and 15 streets over the weekend to keep traffic moving.

“I thank all of our law enforcement and first responders for working long, difficult days and nights to keep us safe and for exercising their best judgment under trying circumstances. We appreciate their service,” added Gelber.