Miami Announces Earlier Curfew Due to Crowds of Spring Breakers; Businesses in the Area Affected
Miami officials are imposing a new and earlier curfew, that is sought to control the crowds flocking into their city. The announcement of the curfew followed the breaking of crowd fights among spring breakers in their city, affecting establishments and businesses in their vicinity.
It can be remembered that recently, authorities were forced to fire pepper balls to disperse the crowd that has been wreaking havoc in their city amid their curfew without masks and social distancing. The mask mandate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still also in effect, despite the coronavirus vaccination efforts of the federal government, and is reiterated by health experts.
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Miami Curfew
The new curfew of the city is set from eight in the evening until six in the morning, according to an Associated Press report. Apart from the fistfight that occurred, the overwhelming and out-of-control spring breakers are the reason why officials of the city have pushed for the earlier curfew.
One of the events that prompted the officials to push through with the earlier curfew is the business establishments like the one in Clevelander South Beach. The establishment announced their temporary halt in operations following the crowds that crammed in ocean drive that resulted in street fights. Smashed doors, tables, and chairs from the restaurant next to the bar were reported.
In a release by the city of Miami Beach, the curfew has taken effect eight p.m. of March 20, 2021, and several highways were closed to avoid the incoming spring breakers. Curfews were implemented in the area bounded by 5 street on the south, 16 streets on the north, Pennsylvania Avenue on the west, and Ocean Drive on the East. Moreover, Eastbound lanes in the Julia Tuttle Causeway are completely closed from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m.
The curfew is one of the factors that will be implemented as Miami Beach Interim Manager, Raul Aguila declared a State of Emergency throughout the city. Because of this, the city strongly urges all business establishments located in the High Impact Zone to close voluntarily.
Miami Curfew and Businesses
The announcement of the State of Emergency worried business owners in the area. Miami Herald noted that the sudden orders encompass the most-far reaching restrictions on spring break partying. The tourists in the area are known to be their business' way to bounce back from the pandemic.
"These crowds are in thousands," Aguila said adding that they are already in full capacity.
Café operations and expanded outdoor restaurants located in the High Impact Zone were suspended at 7 p.m. on March 20, 2021. Also, tables and chairs of the said establishments shall be removed on the sidewalks no later than 8 p.m.
Miami Tourism officials noted that billions of dollars were lost during the pandemic. The city has also spent its biggest national advertising campaign in 20 years because of this.
Aguila confirmed that he recommends that emergency measures take effect until April 12 or the end of Spring break. The emergency orders like the curfew in Miami will take effect until Tuesday evening unless the Miami Beach Commission extends them.
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WATCH: Miami Beach Announces New Curfew - from CBS Miami