Miami Beach officials are sending a unified message as they prepare for spring break next month. They are ready to welcome visitors, "but if you're coming here to cause trouble, to commit violence, to break the law, it will not end well," says Mayor Steven Meiner.
He promises arrests will be made.
The police chief adds, like last year, 18 local, state and federal agencies will work together to man DUI checkpoints, patrol streets, and insulate neighborhoods.
He admits measures will inconvenience residents and businesses, but "short-term pain, for the long-term gain."
While many measures will be in place all month long, during the middle weekends of March parking garages and lots not closed will be $100 and Ocean Drive sidewalk seating will be closed.
City Manager Eric Carpenter says all March there will be reduced non-resident street parking with towing rates of more than $500, "beach access will be restricted with no alcohol, no smoking, no umbrellas, no tables allowed on the beach. We will close entry to the actual beach along Ocean Drive at 6:00 p.m. and police will clear the beach at 10:00 p.m."
Curfews are possible, if necessary.
Last week the city launched its public awareness campaign "Reality Check."