It's not us, it's you! Spring Break off to a tame start in Miami with cops patrolling streets - but some still manage to find fun on the beach and on yachts away from the prying eyes of city's crackdown
- Florida officials have imposed $100 parking fees and early bar closures this year
- Though it hasn't kept party-goers away completely, crowds are much smaller
- It comes after two deadly shootings unfolded during the vacation last year
Spring Break is off to a tame start in Miami as beach-goers say there are 'more police than people' amid a crackdown on out-of-control partying.
Florida officials announced plans to impose some of the toughest restrictions at Miami Beach earlier this month after two deadly shootings broke out last year.
Curtailments include parking fees reaching $100 and early bar closures at 6pm in an attempt to rein in the chaos.
Young people on TikTok vowed to work around the rules, and many have still turned out - though in much smaller numbers than recent years.
Miami Beach PD said there she already been more than 150 'Spring Break-related arrests' this year.
The law enforcement clampdown also comes at the expense of local businesses, as owners say the move is already having a 'devastating' impact on their profits.
Spring Break is off to a tame start in Miami as beach-goers say there are 'more police than people' amid a crackdown on out-of-control partying
Some revelers have also opted to enjoy their Spring Break away from the prying eyes of law enforcement on boat parties and yachts
Countless yachts are out in full force as Spring Break is peaking in Miami Beach, Fla., on March 10, 2024
Florida officials announced plans to impose some of the toughest restrictions at Miami Beach earlier this month after two deadly shootings broke out last year
Dancers at Mango's Tropical Cafe South Beach on Ocean Avenue in Miami Beach, Fla., on March 10, 2024
Curtailments include parking fees reaching $100 and early bar closures at 6pm in an attempt to rein in the chaos
Photographs from the first day of the long vacation show bikini-clad girls partying on the beach and cops patrolling the streets in large numbers.
Meanwhile, drone footage of the bigger picture shows how the usual swarms have dwindled to a more manageable level this year compared with 2023.
Some revelers have also opted to enjoy their Spring Break away from the prying eyes of law enforcement on boat parties and yachts.
'I've seen more police than people,' one local told the Today show Monday, while another said 'there are a LOT of officers'.
'We've actually been surprised with how calm everything's been,' another local said.
However, business owners said the effects had been 'devastating' for them, with bars lying empty for much of the day and restaurants struggling to get orders.
Miami Beach Police Department made 153 'Spring Break-related arrests' from March 1 to March 10, according to Officer Christopher Bess.
'There have been no noteworthy incidents so far; however, the public can still expect to see an immense law enforcement presence as we move further into the Spring Break season,' he told DailyMail.com.
Spring Break last year saw 488 arrests in Miami Beach, more than 230 of which were felony offenses, and more than 100 firearms were seized.
Photographs from the first day of the long vacation show bikini-clad girls partying on the beach and cops patrolling the streets in large numbers
Beach goers enjoy the beautiful weather during spring break in Miami Beach, Fla., Saturday, March 9, 2024
Beach goers enjoy the beautiful weather during spring break in Miami Beach, Fla., Saturday, March 9, 2024
Young people on TikTok vowed to work around the rules, and many have still turned out to Miami for Spring Break - though in much smaller numbers than recent years
Amia Campbell, of Brooklyn, practices calisthenics with local resident Hivo Gonzalez, on Ocean Drive during spring break in Miami Beach, Fla., Saturday, March 9, 2024
Dynamite Dynamite plays his guitar for South Beach visitors during spring break in Miami Beach, Fla., Saturday, March 9, 2024
The usual swarms of Miami Beach Spring Breakers have dwindled to a more manageable level this year compared with 2023
Officers work a DUI checkpoint near 5th Street and Meridian Avenue during spring break, Friday, March 8, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla
People dance at The Palace on Ocean Avenue in Miami Beach, Fla., on March 10, 2024
Quiet streets and a strong law enforcement presence can be seen at this year's Spring Break on Ocean Avenue in Miami Beach, Fla., on March 10, 2024
Countless yachts are out in full force as Spring Break is peaking in Miami Beach, Fla., on March 10, 2024
Revelers on a yacht by Miami Beach during Spring Break 2024
In a widely circulated video produced by Miami Beach officials, actors discuss the city's intention to 'break up with spring break.'
'It's not us, it's you,' says one actor to camera.
'This March you can expect things like curfews, bag checks, and restricted beach access,' says another.
A third continues the message, saying, 'DUI checkpoints, $100 parking, and strong police enforcement for drug possession and violence' are all part of the plan.
Last year, the former Miami Beach Mayor said he wanted to cancel Spring Break after fatal chaos broke out on more than one occasion.
A midnight curfew went into place following two deadly shootings.
Crowds walk up and down Ocean Drive at night on Saturday March 18, 2023 during Spring Break in Miami Beach
This year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that he and his state level employees are 'ready to help our local communities maintain order'.
He's ordered 140 state troopers out to various hot spots, and added that he is willing to send additional backup if necessary.
'We don't welcome mayhem,' he said.
'The state has a lot going on, it’s a fun place to be at and we want to see people do that, but we also are going to insist that people respect the law.
'Florida may be popular for Spring Break, but it is inhospitable to criminal activity.'
