Miami Beach Implements Additional Spring Break Measures

(Miami Beach, FL) Mar 21, 2019 -

Starting this Friday, the Miami Beach Police Department is increasing staffing to the highest possible levels, known as “Alpha Bravo.” An additional 80 officers from the department will be deployed, along with bringing in outside agencies to assist, expecting approximately 70 more officers from this pool.

“It is vital that our residents feel safe in our city — nothing is more important than preserving quality of life,” said 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.”

The city is also taking new steps to protect the residents in the Flamingo Park and South of Fifth neighborhoods, the two residential zones immediately abutting the entertainment district. They will be establishing a residential boundary around the entire Flamingo Park area, which will take effect both Friday and Saturday evenings. Flamingo Park residents should carry a photo ID with them to access the area.

The MacArthur Causeway License Plate Reader (LPR) detail that was previously on the causeway will be moved onto 5th Street, and the Julia Tuttle Causeway LPR detail will commence later in the evenings. This change aims to balance public safety without compounding traffic woes. 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 remove parking on Collins Avenue between 5-15 streets this weekend to enhance the flow of traffic.

“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.