Over 1,000 Arrested As Spring Breakers Defy Curfew, Clash With Miami Police

Authorities in Miami Beach arrested have more than 1,000 spring breakers as of Sunday (March 21) as tens of thousands of people from across the country have flocked to the state to party.

Thousands of mostly maskless partiers ignored the 8 p.m. curfew and took to the streets, dancing on cars and causing chaos as police tried to control the situation.

Officials said that more than half of the arrests involved out-of-state residents.

"If you're coming here because you think anything goes and the rules don't apply ... you're wrong," Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said during an appearance on Good Morning America"Please vacation responsibly."

Gelber said that this year, the crowds aren't just made up of young college students looking to have some fun, explaining that many people are coming to Florida due to the lack of coronavirus-related restrictions.

"I don't see this is a sort of spring break thing because I don't think these are college kids," Gelber said, according to NBC News. "I think it changes the nature of what we're in front of here. I think there are very few places that are open as we have been and as our state has been open. And there are even precious fewer places as beautiful as ours that is open."

Authorities decided to extend the 8 p.m. curfew until April 12 and close down the causeways that connect Miami Beach to the mainland. They have also banned alcohol on the beach and have ordered stores to stop selling booze after 10 p.m.

"We couldn't go on any longer," Miami Beach Police Chief Richard Clements said. "I think this was the right decision."

Photo: Getty Images


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