On Sunday, officials in Miami Beach voted to extend a curfew rule and other emergency restrictions for three weeks due to concerns about rioting crowds rallying amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Chaotic scenes of the weekend showed maskless revelers drinking in the streets and partying in defiance of curfew orders, with riot police even sent to try to control the crowds – a decision that elicited criticism and accusations of racism. According to police, more than 1,000 people have been arrested so far this spring this season.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has refused to enforce mask mandates, saying the state’s low restrictions have helped its tourism economy.
Now the evening clock will be extended to avoid further scenes. The iconic Ocean Drive strip in South Beach will be closed to all cars and pedestrians four nights a week, while only residents and hotel guests may enter certain areas.