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MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – It was a wild Friday night in South Beach. There were even women who jumped on a police car to twerk. The city is teeming with spring breakers.
Miami Beach agent Ernesto Rodriguez, a spokesman for the department, said two agents were injured while dealing with a very large crowd near Eighth Street and Ocean Drive.
“While taking a person into custody, agents were forced to use pepper balls to disperse members of the crowd who were disorderly and surrounding agents,” Rodriguez said. “Various topics have been retained. Two officers were injured and taken to hospital. “
More police officers are enforcing the rules in the Ocean Drive and Collins and Washington Avenue area from Fifth to 16th Street, including Española Way. All beverage container sales ceased after 8 PM in this area and after 10 PM in the rest of the city.
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On Thursday night, officers said some people in the crowd threw bottles at them on Collins Avenue and 11th Street. Rodriguez said agents arrested three people during the chaos.
Ahead of the incident on Friday, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said the risks of the coronavirus pandemic and an increase in crime from tourists have forced the city to take strict measures.
“Right now, we need to have a behavioral expectation from the people visiting,” said Gelber. “If you can’t live up to that expectation, go elsewhere.”
The city’s marketing campaign is reminding tourists that drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana in public are criminal offenses. It is illegal to drive scooters in and out of vehicular traffic or on sidewalks.
Inflatable devices and tents, tables and similar structures are prohibited on the beach. Loud music, cool boxes, glass containers and styrofoam and plastic straws are also prohibited on the beach.
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In the water, the Miami Beach Marine Patrol Unit and the U.S. Coast Guard are on the lookout for illegal charters and enforcement of local, state, and federal laws.
Officers are asking the public to wear face masks and exercise social distance to prevent coronavirus infections. The city enforces curfews in Miami-Dade County from noon to 6 a.m.
‘The virus is still there. The variant is still there and growing and more people are coming, so we can’t stop, ”said Gelber. ‘We cannot disappoint our guard. We must remain cautious and continue to respect the danger of this virus. “
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an injunction invalidating the local government’s fines on pandemic-related regulations. Broward County Mayor Steven Geller said this would force local governments to shut down companies that violate capacity limits.
“We like that people can work here. We like that we’ve been able to save thousands upon thousands of businesses and save people’s livelihoods, ”said DeSantis, adding that considering“ a closure ”is insane at this point.
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The spring breaker season is over on April 12.
AFTERNOON REPORT
MBPD is handling very large crowds near 8 Street and Ocean Drive tonight. While taking a subject into custody, officers were forced to use pepper balls to disperse members of the crowd who were disorderly and surrounding officers.
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– Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 13, 2021
Several subjects have been held. Two officers were injured and taken to hospital.
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– Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 13, 2021
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