Source: CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty
His city miami beach is actively banning spring break visitors in a new campaign that some believe is discriminatory against black people..
The manufacture (March 1), the city of Miami Beach released a TV ad promoting its new “Spring Breakup” campaign, which is designed to discourage tourists planning to visit the city in March from engaging in violent and disruptive acts . The campaign was first announced in February at a press conference where Details in the program were released for the first time.
“The measures I proposed approved by our Commission will ensure that our residents, businesses and visitors are safe and thriving during Spring Break,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Miner. “If you want to cause trouble, don't come to Miami Beach,” added Chief Wayne Jones. “We are fully prepared to ensure our city is safe for everyone. Our message is simple: we want people to enjoy their time here, but we will not tolerate the behavior we have seen in recent years.” The new rules include a $30 flat fee for garages and surface areas in South Beach, and limited beach access begins at 6 p.m. with law enforcement to conduct baggage checks. In addition, police will use license plate readers on some streets and parking garages will be closed on busy weekends Thursday through Saturday with towing rates set at $516.
The campaign for the popular 10-block stretch comes after several high-profile incidents have occurred there in recent years, including a shooting that left two dead amid 573 arrests made in the area last year. While the campaign has been welcomed by some upset over the violent incidents, some business owners have expressed concern that it could harm them. “This is devastating for business” says Mango's Tropical Cafe owner David Wallack. “This is devastating every year [spring break] has continued. This is even more devastating. He is preparing for war.”
There has also been sharp criticism from those who say the rules specifically target black tourists, who are increasingly visiting Miami Beach. They point to a state of emergency imposed in 2021 after shootings. “The only emergency in Miami Beach is that there were black people there,” said Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Council member Stephen Hunter Johnson. Hip-Hop icon and 2 Live Crew member Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell echoed those sentiments in a post on X, formerly Twitter, calling it racism.
