Police in Fort Lauderdale have seen a dramatic increase in spring break-related arrests this March compared to last year, with 18 arrests so far, compared to only eight during the same time last year. The surge in arrests has been attributed to an influx of partygoers who migrated up the Florida coast after Miami Beach decided to crack down on spring break activities following last year’s chaotic season. Despite the larger crowds, Fort Lauderdale police have been able to handle the isolated incidents, such as disturbances and fights, without issue.
The busiest weekend of this year’s spring break season coincided with St. Patrick’s Day festivities, while the following weekend was nearly washed out due to severe weather that emptied the beaches and pushed people indoors. However, the weather cleared up by Sunday, allowing spring breakers to enjoy a last-minute beach bash before leaving. Despite the increase in arrests, only three of the suspects were considered “spring breakers” by the police department’s definition, with the majority of arrests involving locals and non-spring break-related offenses.
The recent calm scene in most of Florida’s spring break hotspots has been a welcome change from previous years, with only isolated incidents of violence reported along the coast. Jacksonville and New Smyrna Beach were among the areas that experienced violent incidents, including shootings and a police chase involving a gunman. However, compared to previous years, this spring break season has been relatively calm, with fewer major incidents and fewer arrests reported in Miami Beach, the usual epicenter of spring break-related crime.
Governor Ron DeSantis took proactive measures to ensure a safe spring break season by deploying over 140 state troopers throughout the state and providing resources like license-plate readers and drones. This preemptive action helped maintain order and prevent escalations of crime during the busy spring break season. With the beach bash winding down and March coming to a close, the state’s efforts seem to have succeeded in reversing the trend of spring break chaos, especially in South Beach. Overall, the increased police presence and resources have contributed to a safer and more controlled spring break experience for both visitors and locals.
