“Miami Beach broke with ‘spring break’: the big spring party moves to Fort Lauderdale

The change took by surprise some young people who arrived in Miami Beach this week for spring break — the spring break period in the United States in which millions of students travel to tourist destinations, especially beach ones. In South Beach there were some sunbathers sunbathing, but the panorama was nothing like that of previous years, when a human tide took over the central Ocean Drive avenue, the cafes and bars, the dunes and the sand. They soon learned through social media that “everyone” was on the neighboring beach of Fort Lauderdale, in Broward County, about 60 kilometers to the north. «They didn’t get the memo. Miami Beach broke spring break,» one joked in a TikTok video that received dozens of comments. “There is now a fitness event in its place,” one wrote. “Pathetic,” said another. For decades, Fort Lauderdale was South Florida’s spring break Mecca. But in the late 1980s, after years of unrest, authorities tightened the rules and flows began to shift toward Daytona Beach to the north and Miami Beach to the south. The pattern seems to repeat itself now. Miami Beach, the epicenter of spring break for nearly two decades, “divorced” spring break two years ago due to a record spike in crime during the season, which peaked in 2023, with two fatal shootings. “The city of Miami Beach was concerned about public safety, not only in relation to crime, but also the perception among residents and visitors that it was not a safe place,” explains Alex Piquero, professor of Criminology at the University of Miami. The city launched an advertising campaign with the play on words in English “break up with spring break,” using the language of a failed relationship: “It’s not you, it’s us… it’s actually you,” seeking to discourage large parties and disorder. The authorities implemented curfews, prohibited the consumption of alcohol on the beach, closed municipal parking lots and increased fines. This week, local authorities celebrated that the measures have worked, reporting 253 arrests in the area during the season, a 24% reduction from last year. “We can welcome visitors from all over the world while protecting the quality of life of our residents,” says Commissioner Alex Fernández, one of the main promoters of the initiative. “Big cities don’t choose between fun and order, they demand both, and that’s exactly what we achieved,” he adds. A city spokeswoman notes that businesses have “strongly” backed the plan and praised “the shift toward a more welcoming, wellness-focused environment” with “key safety measures.” The hotel occupancy rate is 7.5% higher than last year, highlights the spokesperson. But the economic impact has been uneven, depending on the type of business. In the last two years, bars and clubs in South Beach, as well as restaurants and cafes, have reported a drop in sales, and some business owners say the new rules have driven away some of their traditional clientele. The city will hold public meetings with residents and business owners next month to evaluate the results. Rubén Torres, a retiree who lives near South Beach, is pleased with the changes. “The beach is empty, there is no trouble,” he says, in contrast to previous years, when he witnessed police chases and groups leaving restaurants without paying. Although Fort Lauderdale has implemented similar measures, the movement of spring breakers to that beach suggests that it is not just the restrictions that matter, but how they are perceived and applied. The atmosphere and official language are different. «Welcome, spring breakers! We’re glad to have you here,» says the city’s website. The Fort Lauderdale Police assure that the influx has not translated into an increase in serious incidents. According to statistics sent to this newspaper, so far this month more than 1,100 fines have been issued and only 49 arrests, most of them local residents. The bulk of violations are related to alcohol consumption and public disorder. «In US popular culture, there is the idea that spring break is a time for young people to ‘go wild,’ a perception that is often reinforced by the media. This fuels the notion that groups of young people travel to behave inappropriately. However, it is important not to fall into prejudice,» says Marta Soligo, a tourism expert and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In many cases, students simply enjoy this vacation to rest and behave responsibly, he adds. This week, hundreds of young people filled the beach at the end of the central Las Olas Boulevard, in Fort Lauderdale Beach, while mounted police patrolled the area. Some vacationers took photos with the horses, played volleyball, and others streamed everything live. Although some have complained about the strong police presence and that the beach closes after 5:00 pm, the general perception is of greater permissiveness. An employee at Nanou French Bakery and Café, in Las Olas, says that the visitors have been “very good people” and he is happy that they have had more customers this season. “We can’t complain.” As night falls, the atmosphere in Las Olas transforms. Some walk barefoot and in bikinis, while others wear beach shirts, dresses and heels. In bars where there is a live band playing, or a DJ, there are lines to get in.