MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A dangerous situation has forced the popular restaurant at the Clevelander Hotel to close its doors in Miami Beach.
A fight left damage in the popular South Beach destination.
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Now a sign has been posted at the entrance of the popular beach hotel.
The sign reads, “We have become increasingly concerned about the safety of our dedicated employees and valued customers and the city’s ability to maintain a safe environment.”
The document goes on to say that they will close their doors until next week as a result.
“I don’t blame them for wanting to close,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.
Gelber says he has been pushing for years to revamp South Beach to a more family-friendly environment and says the increased crime is a result of the party atmosphere that is now synonymous with South Beach.
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“We have turned this area into an area where everything is possible, it is a kind of come here to play, play, play instead of a work-play habitat. So for me I want to diversify there, so it’s not just 105 bars open until 5am. “
To keep the crowd in check and prevent similar incidents, the Miami Beach Police Department has stepped up their patrols and implemented a no-tolerance policy.
Ernesto Rodriguez, Miami Beach police spokesman, said, “In the past 5 1/2 weeks, we have seen more than 900 arrests here in our city. We have issued more than 5,000 traffic quotes. Last night alone, nearly two dozen arrests were made in our entertainment area. “
Fifty percent of those arrests are out of state people, 374 from Miami-Dade, 94 from Miami Beach, 141 homeless, 78 living elsewhere in Florida.
The Miami Beach Police Department is working with multiple law enforcement agencies to help patrol the beach and to help treat those arrested.
“It’s a dangerous situation for our community. It is a dangerous situation for officers, so it is important that we act quickly and use tactics such as pepper balls to disperse crowds, ”said Rodriguez.
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Even though the patio and bar are closed, the Clevelander Hotel remains open and those hotel guests still have access to their pool, restaurant and roof terrace.