Spring break is just weeks away and Miami Beach is once again cracking down on unruly visitors, but this time with a twist. The city is going from “breaking up” with partiers to an open invitation focused on fitness and health.
A new PSA, titled “Wake Up to a New March,” is taking a different approach by scheduling sporting events throughout the month instead of telling spring breakers to stay away. These events include the Life Time 305 Half Marathon, Gymreapers Wodapalooza, ATHX Games and HYROX.
“After two successful back-to-back spring break seasons, Miami Beach has ended the chaos and restored order,” Mayor Steven Meiner said in a news release.
But despite the more welcoming tone, many of the regulations for peak weekends (March 12–15 and March 19–22) will return, from DUI enforcement to increased parking rates. Here’s a breakdown of the new rules:
License plate readers and DUI checkpoints
On peak weekends, visitors can expect license plate readers to be installed on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways, starting at 10 p.m. On March 12 to 15 and 19 to 22, cars will only be able to enter Ocean Drive from the most northern available street, and exit at 5 Street.
Additionally, DUI checkpoints will be active on March 13 to 14 and March 20 to 21.
Parking and towing rates
Beginning March 5 and in effect every Thursday through Sunday, parking garages in the Art Deco District (G1, G2, G3, G4) will charge flat rates ranging from $40 to $100. On-street parking and surface lots will also rise to $4 to $15 per hour, while resident rates remain $1 per hour.
The non-resident towing rate will be doubled to $548, plus administrative fees.
Beach access and closing times
This spring break, access to the beach on Ocean Drive will be limited to 5, 7, 8, 10, 12 and 14 streets while having security checkpoints to keep prohibited items away, such as coolers, glass containers, inflatable devices, tents and tables.
Plus, package liquor stores in the area will close strictly at 8 p.m.
“We are leaving the disorder of past spring breaks behind and moving forward with a safer, more disciplined approach that supports our businesses and allows everyone to enjoy our city the right way,” added Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez.
Miami Beach Police will also implement a traffic plan starting at 6 p.m. each Thursday through Sunday to reduce traffic around the South of Fifth (SoFi), West Avenue and Flamingo Park neighborhoods. Motorists can access SoFi via Alton Road, Washington Avenue and Collins Avenue. Flamingo Park can only be accessed via Alton Road. Local access restrictions will be enforced on some city streets to limit traffic and improve mobility for residents and business patrons.
Learn more on the official City of Miami Beach website here.