Miami Beach Continues Measures to End Spring Break

Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach is continuing the implementation of strong measures aimed at putting an end to spring break. These include restricted beach access, license plate reader and DUI details, and heightened police enforcement for consumption of alcohol in public, drug possession and violent behavior.

The entire month of March has been designated as a high-impact period in Miami Beach, which has resulted in additional measures being taken with respect to traffic, staffing and public safety.

The following high-impact measures will be in place this weekend:

• A License Plate Reader (LPR) detail on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways will be implemented by the Miami Beach Police Department on March 22 and March 23. Motorists should expect significant traffic as eastbound travel lanes will be reduced.
• Police officers will be patrolling the city to detect and arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• A flat parking rate of $30 will be in effect at city parking garages in the Entertainment District — including the garages at 7 Street and Collins Avenue (G1), 12 Street and Washington Avenue (G2), 13 Street and Collins Avenue (G3) and 16 Street between Collins and Washington avenues (G4) — with entry to garages closing at 6 p.m. to all visitors.The flat parking rate and 6 p.m. entrance restriction does not apply to residents, access card holders or authorized employees.
• The nonresident towing rate will be $516 — double the normal rate — plus a $30 administrative fee for vehicles towed in South Beach within the boundaries of 23 Street and Dade Boulevard on the north (including properties fronting the north side of 23 Street or Dade Boulevard), Government Cut on the south, Biscayne Bay on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
• Beach entrances on Ocean Drive are limited to 5, 10 and 12 streets and will have security checkpoints to ensure prohibited items are not brought onto the beach. These entrances will close at 6 p.m. Coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables and similar objects will not be permitted on the beach. Amplified music without a city-issued permit will be restricted. As a reminder, alcohol and smoking are always prohibited on city beaches.
• Ocean Drive will only be accessible to vehicles via 13 Street with a sole exit at 5 Street on March 21-24. Barricades will line Ocean Drive to reduce the potential of pedestrians coming into contact with motor vehicles.
• Packaged liquor stores in the Entertainment District will strictly adhere to the 8 p.m. regular closing time.
• Businesses renting or leasing golf carts, low-speed vehicles, autocycles (i.e. slingshots), motorized scooters, mopeds, motorcycles powered by motors of 50 cubic centimeters or less and motorized bicycles will be suspended from operating on March 21-24.
• Additionally, a Special Event Zone has been designated from 6 a.m. on March 21 until 7 a.m. on March 25, 2024, for the following areas: Dade Blvd. and 23 St. on the North; Washington Ave. on the West; South Pointe Park on the South; the Erosion Control Line on the East; in addition to the entire 5 Street corridor from MacArthur Causeway to Washington Avenue and all streets south of 5 street to South Pointe Park.This zone includes Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, Washington Avenue, and all side streets within the designated area. The city has the authority to double fines for noncriminal traffic infractions and impound vehicles for violations within this zone.

Traffic Plan

The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) is implementing a traffic plan beginning at 6 p.m. each Friday through Sunday in March to reduce traffic impacts around the South of Fifth (SOFI), West Avenue and Flamingo Park neighborhoods. Motorists can access the SOFI neighborhood via Alton Road, Washington Avenue and Collins Avenue. The Flamingo Park neighborhood can only be accessed via Alton Road. Local access restrictions will be enforced on some city streets to limit traffic and improve mobility for residents and business patrons.

Parking

The city will conduct enhanced parking enforcement and increased towing throughout the month of March — with priority attention given to residential areas.

Parking will not be allowed on Collins Avenue from 5 Street to Española Way and Washington Avenue from 5-16 streets starting at 6 a.m. on March 21-24.

Parking along the 100 blocks of 6-14 streets will be restricted 24 hours per day on March 21-24. Residential Zone 5 parking permit holders are exempt from these restrictions, unless noted otherwise on signs.

Parking along the 200 blocks of 6-15 streets will be restricted nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on March 21-24. Residential Zone 5 parking permit holders are exempt from these restrictions unless noted otherwise on signs.

Staffing

Staffing levels for Miami Beach Police, Fire Rescue, Ocean Rescue, Code Compliance, Park Rangers, Parking and Sanitation are significantly enhanced throughout the month of March.

MBPD is being supplemented by the Florida Highway Patrol, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami-Dade Schools Police Department and other municipal law enforcement agencies.

The Miami Beach Fire Department has augmented staffing, including Fire Inspectors who will be conducting nightly, weekend inspections for occupancy loads and life safety systems at nightclubs and other establishments.

Goodwill Ambassadors wearing pink “Take Care of Our City” T-shirts are deployed throughout the Entertainment District to answer visitor questions, provide directions and give tips on how to enjoy the city.

For additional information, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/breakup.

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