by Ben Pursel

In a video posted by the City of Miami Beach, Florida on March 2, the popular destination for spring break vacationers across the country declared it was “breaking up with spring break” amid heightened crime coinciding with the surge of travelers.

According to the Monthly Crimes Data Report provided by the City of Miami Beach, all criminal activity, but most of all sexual batteries and thefts, is marginally higher in March than in the rest of the year.

Among existing local laws and regulations, the city is implementing strict curfews, bag checks, DUI checkpoints on major roads and beach access points, and $100 parking fees intended to discourage predominantly college students from vacationing. 

“The past few years it has been completely chaotic during spring break,” Miami Beach resident Jon Flaute said in the video. “Locals often leave to avoid it. The security checkpoints make it difficult for residents to move around and yet the past few years have been violent despite security measures.”

Many residents have been upset over statues that close down street cafes on days that would usually see increased sales due to high foot traffic. “It’s a shame that these local businesses are impacted,” Flaute said. “There is no easy solution to the problem so I think this will be a matter of seeing what works and what doesn’t.” 

Just 30 miles north, however, Fort Lauderdale has embraced spring breakers amid Miami Beach’s breakup, posting on their website welcoming travelers while also stressing their policy of “organized fun” during the March break.