Miami Spring Break Curfew Set After 2 Fatal Shootings

Miami spring break celebrations were interrupted after two fatal shootings and "excessively huge and disorderly crowds" prompted the mayor of Miami Beach to declare a state of emergency and impose a curfew on Sunday.

"In response to the two shootings and the excessively large and unruly crowds, and to mitigate dangerous and illegal conduct, the City of Miami Beach has ordered a state of emergency and an 11:59 p.m. curfew to take effect on Sunday, March 19, 2023, through 6 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2023," the statement said.

"The city will hold a special commission meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss potential restrictions beyond Monday," it added.

The announcement noted that the city manager intends to impose an additional Miami Beach curfew from March 23 to March 27, CNN reported.

A person was fatally shot, and another was injured on Friday as the Miami shooting erupted in South Beach, a famous destination for St. Patrick's Day and Spring Break celebrations.

According to authorities, four guns were found at the scene. One person was also fatally shot, and another was hurt Sunday morning, according to Miami Beach Police.

Miami Shooting Incidents

One man died, and another was critically wounded in the Friday night shooting, which sent panicked patrons fleeing into the streets from nearby bars and restaurants, according to ABC News.

Police discovered four firearms at the location, and one person was apprehended, but no other information has been released. Another shooting happened Sunday around 3:30 a.m. on Ocean Drive in South Beach, said Miami Beach police.

A man was shot and died shortly at a hospital while authorities pursued a suspect on foot, police said on Twitter. No other infirmation was also released. A video message from Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber was posted on Sunday.

He warned that despite a significant police presence and several city-sponsored events designed to keep people safe, the threat that cannot go unchecked is the large crowds and the presence of multiple firearms.

"We don't ask for spring break in our city," the mayor said, adding that they do not want spring break in Miami since it is "too rowdy, it's too much disorder, and it's too difficult to police."

Miami Beach Curfew

The curfew restrictions require businesses to close at midnight. However, hotels can stay open to serve their customers.

The curfew will not apply to residents, persons traveling to and from work, emergency services personnel, or hotel guests, according to the city's press release, adding that restaurants may remain open solely for delivery, NBC Miami reported.

Travel disruptions are expected, with certain highways closed, and visitors at some hotels may be required to produce confirmation of their reservations. A Miami Beach similar curfew was also imposed in 2017 after two shootings occurred.

Moreover, during a particularly violent Miami spring break the year before, Miami Beach authorities took measures to simmer things down by making over a thousand arrests and seizing dozens of guns.

"I'm at my wit's end trying to figure out how to deal with this crowd with the numbers that are here and with what we are encountering during the policing of this particular event," Miami Beach Police Chief Richard Clements said at the time.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Miami Beach Implements Curfew Following Fatal Shootings During Spring Break - From WPLG Local 10