Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, Commissioner of Emergency Management, stated that the emergency measures were being taken too late in the month after most crowds have left.
She voted against curfew because it unfairly affected a weekend that has few issues, if any.
“I also know that we are taking a shot by not putting the curfew, because God forbid anything does happen. … Gonzalez stated that this is a difficult situation. “But, you know that Ultra weekend isn’t a problem. Weekend three is the problem.
Alcohol sales restriction
In a 6-1 vote, a compromise amendment was approved. It gives the city manager powers of state of emergency, but only to restrict alcohol sales at local liquor shops starting at 6 p.m.
While some commissioners voted for the measure, others said that it was not a better than nothing.
“This is like admitting that we have a problem but not wanting to take bold action, because we don’t want to piss on important businesses in our community,” Commissioner Alex Fernandez stated.
Ricky Arriola was the sole member of the commission to vote against the measure. He described it as “rearranging chairs on the Titanic”. He said that people will always get liquor regardless of what.
“One, it’s going to not make a difference. Arriola stated that if it doesn’t make a difference, don’t punish businesses and employees who are going to be affected.
A recurring concern
This is the third consecutive year that Miami Beach has taken emergency measures to deal with dangerous crowds during spring break.
In March 2021, unruly Spring Break crowds were responsible for brawls which had to be stopped by police. This prompted the first emergency. After five people were injured in random shootings, Miami Beach declared its second emergency on the same weekend.
Over the past few years, city officials have had to struggle with dealing with large crowds.
Alina Hudak, Miami Beach City Manager, told the commission that it was “heartbreaking” for her to recommend a curfew again after months of planning and creating programming for tourists.
Hudak stated Monday that “it is evident that the crowds who came here this weekend were intent to cause chaos”, distinguishing between “legitimate spring breakers” and those breaking the law.
Police said one person was killed and another critically ill in a shooting that occurred Friday near Ocean Drive and 7th Street. Unrelated to the shooting on Ocean Drive and 11th Street, another person was shot and killed.
Steven Meiner, Vice Mayor of New York City, noted that the weekend ahead was the busiest in spring break season. He said that with an influx in crowds, comes an influx in guns that could put lives at risk.
Meiner stated, “It’s unfortunate, because… most people who come here are lawfully adhering to the rules and having fun.” “There’s no question about it. We are unable to control violence in our streets.
Gelber spoke out in favor of curfew during Monday’s commission meeting and said it was obvious that an “enormous amount of police” in the region this year did not deter criminal behavior.
Gelber stated, “As much I love our hospitality industry,” Gelber said.
Gelber ultimately supported alcohol restrictions over doing nothing but stated that he felt the commission was making a “big mistake.”
The legal and practical issues of placing metal detectors in the future city were also discussed by commissioners.
Gelber and Gelber said that the fact that crime has increased in a recurring manner over the same period of time and geographical area may allow for legal restrictions to be put in place before the masses descend next spring.
