As we pass the one-year mark of lockdown, people are eager to get out and about. With spring break throughout March and April, many want to make the most of their time off. Thus, during this time, traveling is very enticing.
Thousands of people, from all age ranges, are fleeing to Florida in hopes of soaking up the sun and partying with no restrictions. With cheap hotel and flight rates in Miami, this city is the perfect destination for enjoying the sunshine state.
Well, not so much. Leading up to spring break, Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, made the choice not to implement a mask-mandate, ensuring that businesses could remain open. He decided to leave it up to the mayors to determine what is best for their city. The mayor of Miami Beach made the decision to implement Covid-19 restrictions prior to the spring-break crowds.
Despite restrictions, large groups are seen drinking and partying while maskless in public places. Gatherings of thousands result in fights, damage to public places, and a large increase in Covid cases. In Florida, new Covid cases have increased to the high 4,000’s as a weekly average. The police are overwhelmed as they try to tame these out-of-control spring-breakers. According to apnews.com, there have already been “more than 1,000 arrests and nearly 100 gun seizures.”
In response to this, Miami Beach Mayor, Dan Gelber, implemented even harsher restrictions. Alcohol is banned from beaches, concerts and food festivals are canceled, and a state-of-emergency results in an 8 p.m. curfew. Gelber tells CNN, “Too many are coming, really, without the intention of following the rules, and the result has been a level of chaos and disorder that is just something more than we can endure.”
As thousands continue to disregard the restrictions, scary scenes play out in crowded areas. Police are forced to use pepper spray balls to break up large crowds.
With warm, sunny days continuing, more and more are flooding to Miami. Ultimately, Gelber warns CNN that vacationers should think twice about their destinations. He reminds all, “If you’re coming here to go crazy, go somewhere else. We don’t want you.”
