By Doha Madani -
NBC News
Authorities in Miami Beach, Florida, rejected a proposal to impose a curfew for next weekend in favor of restrictions on the sale of alcohol, in a "better than nothing" attempt to curb the chaos of the vacation of spring after two fatal shootings in recent days.
The City Commission held a heated debate on how to manage the last weekend of the month on Monday, with some arguing that the curfew was an important measure to keep violence off the streets, while others said it would punish the markets.
A midnight curfew for next weekend would likely affect the Ultra Music Festival, an electronic dance music event that draws thousands of people to the area.
The last concerts begin at 11 pm each night of the three days that the event lasts.
Crowds gather on Ocean Drive and 8th Street during spring break in Miami Beach, Fla., on Saturday, March 18, 2023.DA Varela / Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Commissioner Kristen Rosen González stated that the emergency measures are applied too late, when most people have already left.
He voted against the curfew, noting that it unfairly affected a weekend where few, if any, problems arise.
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“I also know that we risk it by not putting the curfew, because God forbid something happens.
It is a very difficult situation,” González explained.
“But the ultra weekend is not a problem.
The problem is weekend three,” he added.
Restriction on the sale of alcohol
A compromise amendment passed in a 6-1 vote, giving the city manager state of emergency powers, but only to place a restriction on alcohol sales at local liquor stores after 6 pm.
Some commission members voted in favor of the measure, but called it a "better than nothing" solution.
“This is like acknowledging that we have a problem, but we don't want to take bold action because we don't want to upset important businesses in our city,” said Commissioner Alex Fernández.
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Ricky Arriola, who cast the commission's lone vote against the measure, described the decision as "rearranging the chairs on the Titanic."
He pointed out that people will get liquor no matter what.
“One, it's not going to make a difference.
Let's be realistic, if it's not going to make a difference, let's not punish the companies and workers that are going to be affected by this,” Arriola declared.
A recurring concern
This is the third consecutive year that Miami Beach has resorted to emergency measures due to dangerous crowds during spring break.
In March 2021, uncontrolled spring break crowds were responsible for brawls that had to be broken up by police and led to the first state of emergency.
On the same weekend in March, Miami Beach declared its second state of emergency after five bystanders were hospitalized in two random shootings.
In recent years, municipal authorities have had to deal with the influx of public.
Alina Hudak, Miami Beach City Manager, told the commission it is “heartbreaking” to recommend a curfew again after months of planning to create programming for tourists, including concerts and sports tournaments.
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“It is clear that the crowds that came here this weekend were intent on causing chaos,” Hudak said Monday, distinguishing between people “legitimately” enjoying the holiday break and people breaking the law.
A shooting Friday near 7th Street and Ocean Drive left one dead and another in critical condition, according to police.
Another person was killed Sunday morning in an unrelated shooting at 11th Street and Ocean Drive.
Deputy Mayor Steven Meiner noted during the commission meeting that the coming weekend was the second busiest of the spring break season.
He also said that with the influx of crowds comes an influx of weapons that can put lives at stake.
“It's unfortunate because most of the people who come here follow the rules and have a good time,” Meiner said.
“There is no doubt about it.
But we have a situation where we can't control the violence on our streets," he added.
Gelber spoke in favor of the curfew at the commission meeting on Monday, saying it was clear that a "huge police presence" in the area this year was doing nothing to deter criminal behaviour.
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"As much as I love our hospitality industry, we can't balance that interest when we've had two people murdered over the last weekend in as many days, and our police are telling us in no uncertain terms that it's an ongoing dangerous situation." Gelberg said.
Ultimately, Gelber supported the alcohol restrictions versus doing nothing, but said he believed the commission was "making a big mistake."
Commission members also discussed the legal and practical aspects of imposing metal detectors in the city in the future.
Gelber and the city attorney said that the fact that increased crime has become a recurring pattern -- over the same time period and geographic area -- may make it legally possible to apply restrictions before crowds subside. in the spring of next year.
