Miami Beach Mayor on Ordering Curfew After Deadly Shootings: ‘We Don’t Want Spring Break in Our City’

Citing recent fatal shootings in the area, city officials in Miami Beach announced a curfew and additional “emergency measures” amid spring break proceedings.

In a news release issued on Sunday, the City of Miami Beach said that local leaders had made the decision to order a state of emergency, as well as a curfew of 11:59 p.m. local time. The later took effect on Sunday, lasting through 6 a.m. Monday. In addition, more curfew restrictions can be expected from March 23 through March 27. On Monday afternoon, a commission meeting is slated during which local officials will discuss next steps.

Sunday’s press release pointed to “the two shootings and the excessively large and unruly crowds” as the impetus for the curfew and emergency order. In a video, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber elaborated further.

“For two consecutive nights, Ocean Drive has been the scene of deadly shootings. … As is the case with most serious crime in our city, both shootings were between visitors to Miami Beach and did not involve residents,” Gelber said. 

According to the mayor, more than 70 guns have been impounded by law enforcement in recent weeks. Gelber also reiterated past comments he’s made about spring break in general, namely that he and others “don’t want it” in their city.

“We don’t ask for spring break in our city,” he said on Sunday. “We don’t want spring break in our city.”

Following Monday afternoon’s meeting, additional information is expected to be made available regarding what those in the area can expect, curfew-wise, for the rest of the week.