Miami Beach, Fla., Declared a state of emergency on Saturday over concerns about large crowds of springbreakers gathering in the city.
Dan Gelber (D), mayor of Miami Beach, said during news conference On Saturday, new measures will be implemented that are “essentially intended to reduce the number of people” coming to the area.
Gelber announced a curfew at 8pm in the entertainment district and a restriction on eastern traffic on city roads accessible only to residents and hotel guests.
The measures will take effect on Saturday at 21:00 and will remain in force for 72 hours. Gelber said he would hold an emergency meeting with the city commission on Sunday to address the measures.
The city later posted the emergency order on its Twitter account. According to the order, these actions are separate from those set up by the city to combat COVID-19.
City of Miami Beach announces 8pm curfew in the high-impact zone starting tonight – Officials also introduce additional emergency measures during spring break pic.twitter.com/3lmt3FsbJw
– #MaskUpMiamiBeach (@MiamiBeachNews) 20 March 2021
The news comes as photos from the area show a crowd of people flocking to the city and gathering on the beaches, without ignoring COVID-19 protocols.
Miami Beach interim city manager Raul Aguila said on Saturday he had received emails from businesses that were voluntarily closed due to the crowd or did not want to open.
The state of emergency is an increase in the issue following reports of rough spring breakers this month.
Gelber told CBS News that hundreds of springbreakers were arrested for ignoring the city’s coronavirus guidelines, and that police officers were injured to deal with the crowds.
‘If you come here because you think anything is going to happen, you’re going to have a terrible time. We’re going to arrest you. We have made hundreds and hundreds of arrests, “Gelber said at the time.
Police had to disperse a crowd of about 200 springbreakers who were ‘unstable’ and scattered surrounding officers through an intersection by shooting pepper balls. Miami Beach police at the time said several people were detained and two officers were injured.
According to NBC News affiliate In South Florida, police had to use pepper balls again on Friday to disperse a crowd after a fight broke out at a restaurant.
“At night, there is no doubt that it is becoming a place that feels a little out of control or very out of control,” Gelber said Saturday. “Sometimes you see things that you realize should not happen, and no community needs to endure.”
Updated 19:14