Two fatal shootings and 322 arrests in March 2023 have pushed Miami Beach officials to say, “We don’t want Spring Break in our city.”
Toward the end of March, thousands will flock to South Florida from around the world for Miami Music Week (MMW). Hundreds of events will take place between March 19-24, not the least of which are Ultra Music Festival and Winter Music Conference.
This year, however, Miami Beach authorities are imposing restrictions that could chill what, for many, symbolizes festival season starting to heat up. They’ve identified March as a “high-impact period,” putting temporary measures in place to curb violence and arrests due to an influx of Spring Breakers.
The announcements follow a particularly troublesome late winter to early spring period for local authorities in 2023. According to AP News, 322 arrests were made between February 27 and March 19, leading to the seizure of more than 70 weapons. Two people were also shot during the same period.
“As is the case with most serious crime in our city, both shootings were between visitors to Miami Beach and did not involve residents,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber in a video statement. “In both cases, police were seconds away from the incidents and arrests were made within minutes. That said, it is clear that even an unprecedented police presence could not prevent these incidents from occurring.“
Gelber continued: “As I have said many times, we don’t ask for Spring Break in our city. We don’t want Spring Break in our city. It’s too rowdy, too much disorder, and it’s too difficult to police.”
March 2024 Miami Beach Restrictions
Per the Miami Beach website, every Thursday through Sunday the entire month of March, parking lots will charge a flat rate of $30, and nonresidents will also pay double for vehicles towed in South Beach. Certain beach entrances on Ocean Drive will also be closed, and liquor stores will be forced to close by 8pm.
Between March 7-10 and 14-17 only, parking lot fees will climb to a whopping $100, and entry will be restricted to residents between 6pm to 7pm. Businesses renting or leasing low-speed vehicles like golf carts and scooters will not be allowed to operate on these days.
That being said, dance music lovers can breathe a sigh of relief as no measures appear to specifically target MMW. Last year, Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez herself even said, “Ultra weekend is not the problem,” and Commissioner Ricky Arriola agreed.
So if you’re heading to Ultra Music Festival or Winter Music Conference during Miami Music Week either buy alcohol early or stay in mainland Miami and prepare to pay extra for parking. Otherwise, look forward to business as usual. Rave on!
