FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – The first weekend of spring break 2021 brought large crowds to South Florida’s beaches, along with concerns about the possibility of a coronavirus outbreak.
In the 1960s and 70s, Fort Lauderdale Beach was known as the place where the boys are. On Saturday, it seemed like everyone was coming down as well.
“Just enjoy the weather, get away from the cold,” said a beachgoer.
Revelers riding in an SUV cheered and greeted 7News cameras as they drove near Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Spring breakers usually bring tension in cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, but this year COVID-19 adds concern to the mix.
Local leaders said they welcome visitors to their beaches, but stressed that they must play by the rules.
“We understand that there is a lot of anxiety to go out and enjoy our beautiful weather and our beautiful beach, but we only ask for the cooperation of our college students who decide to come to Fort Lauderdale,” said Interim Cheif, police. assistant from Fort Lauderdale, said Frank Sousa.
No alcohol is allowed on the beach and Uber or Lyft deliveries are not allowed along A1A, which was full on Saturday afternoon. Electronic signs are there to remind beachgoers to keep their social distance.
The Fort Lauderdale police officers remained visible throughout the weekend.
Local businesses are in line with leaders’ call for customers to adhere to safety regulations.
“Today we were very busy all day,” said Fabio Vaccarella, chef and owner of Casa Del Mare Ristorante along North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Vaccarella said he tried to keep up with the crowd and apply the rules in his outdoor restaurant.
“The response is 80% good and some people do not really believe in wearing face masks and sometimes do not respect,” he said. “We try our best to make everyone happy.”
Mask wear was sometimes sporadic among springbreakers.
‘Hotels, yes. Restaurants, yes, but just beautiful, bars and breweries don’t seem to care, and I feel they need to implement them more, ”said Kyle Heusbourg, who is from Minnesota.
In Miami Beach, city leaders also hope to keep things as calm as possible, with the beach open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and cafes on the sidewalk closed at midnight.
“I think we’re expecting a bigger than typical spring break,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.
There is also a larger police presence on South Beach.
Officials in the counties of Broward and Miami-Dade are appealing to revealers to party responsibly or arrest them.
“I’ve already had COVID, so I’m not worried about catching it,” said a delighted Fort Lauderdale Beach native.
“COVID? I think I had it, I think,” said another beachgoer. “Yep, still alive.”
Broward County officials talked for three weeks about implementing a curfew, but decided against it.
Nevertheless, officials in Fort Lauderdale said they would not hesitate to close a business temporarily if it was violated.
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