Miami-Dade County’s commissioner said Miami Beach’s crackdown on spring break is racist because he fears it will lead authorities to treat black revelers violently.
Keon Hardemon’s comments on Tuesday came before the first weekend of spring break, where hordes of young guests descend on South Florida beaches and often cause chaos.
Hardemon, who is black, said the plan city officials have rolled out to combat lawlessness is “tone deaf” as it affects the city’s black guests, for whom spring break has become extremely popular in recent years.
The county commission was discussing a routine plan Tuesday to send Miami-Dade police officers to Miami Beach to assist during spring break when Hardemon said:
“I don’t want to be part of something that could be seen as burdensome, draconian and heavy-handed by a council that primarily impacts people who are, for the most part, just like me.”
Former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said in 2023 that he wanted to cancel spring break: “We did not ask for spring break in our city. We don’t want spring break in our city. It’s too noisy, causes too much disorder and is simply too difficult to control.”
He added that he doesn’t think the county should write them a blank check to mistreat people in our community.
Miami-Dade will send about 80 officers to Miami Beach over the next two weekends Miami Herald.
Without elaborating, Hardemon, an attorney and former Miami city commissioner, said of Miami Beach’s crackdown: “I think they’re doing it wrong.”
Miami Beach officials have defended their strict rules for this year’s spring break. They are also firmly backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who said Tuesday he will send 140 state troopers to several hot spots over the next two weeks.
During spring break last year, 488 arrests were made in Miami Beach, of which more than 230 were felonies, and more than 100 firearms were seized.
DeSantis has repeatedly said he is willing to send aid to Miami Beach and other cities that will receive large numbers of out-of-control students.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said Tuesday, “This is a pivotal moment for our city. They (the state government) came through and gave us even more.”
In a widely circulated video produced by Miami Beach officials, actors discuss the city’s intention to “break with spring break.”
“It’s not us, it’s you,” an actor says to the camera.
“In March you can expect things like curfews, bag checks and limited beach access,” said another.
A third continued this message, saying, “DUI checkpoints, $100 parking and strong police enforcement of drug possession and violence” are all part of the plan.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at a news conference in Miami on Tuesday to discuss measures that will be taken this year to prevent spring break chaos from overtaking popular party cities such as Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona.
Crowds of people walk up and down Ocean Drive during spring break in Miami Beach on Saturday, March 18, 2023
This weekend, spring break kicks off in South Florida, as thousands upon thousands of mostly college students descend on the beaches and bars of the Sunshine State
Last year, the former mayor of Miami Beach said he wanted to cancel spring break after fatal chaos broke out on more than one occasion. A curfew was imposed after two fatal shootings.
This year, Governor DeSantis said he and his staff at the state level are “ready to help our local communities maintain order.” He added that he is prepared to send additional reinforcements if necessary.
“We don’t like chaos,” he said. “There’s a lot to do in the state, it’s a fun place to be and we want people to do that, but we’re also going to insist that people respect the law.
“Florida may be popular for spring break, but it is inhospitable to criminal activity.”