Spring Break 2017 Rolls Into Miami Beach With Something New: Rules

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Spring break 2017 has rolled into this urban resort town with its traditional plumes of suntan lotion, gold chains, beer, thongs, traffic and the same general debauchery it had even back when Connie Francis immortalized the annual college rite with her "Where the Boys Are" more than half a century ag0.

There is one thing that is new this year, according to the city of Miami Beach: Spring break rules.

Like your Miami Beach Patch

"We’re not discouraging people from having a good time," insisted Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department. "We just want every one to have a good time, and have a good time responsibly."

Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Beach, FL Patch

Here's what is banned from the beaches during the peak spring break period of March 3 to April 16:

• Any direct or indirect consumption of alcohol on beach property
• Coolers
• Inflatable devices
• Tents
• Tables and similar structures
• Live or amplified music

The new rules were issued by Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy L. Morales following the 2016 social media-driven raft party — Floatopia — that left a big mess for the city to clean up. Mayor Philip Levine vowed on social media "never again," and he meant it.

“We look forward to hosting the hundreds of thousands of visitors who choose to spend their vacation in the sun and fun capital of the world, and we hope these proactive actions ensure a safe and enjoyable experience,” Morales said in a statement announcing the new rules, which will also be in effect for any event that draws large crowds.

Another major change to spring break this year are occupancy limits on parts of the beach. Officials plan to cut off beach access once the limits have been reached to avoid overcrowding, such as in the case of last year's Floatopia.

"Every year we learn from years past," explained Rodriguez. "That event unfortunately resulted in lots of trash on our beaches, just a lot of inconvenience for not only our residents, but also our visitors."

Rodriguez also posted an informational video to help spread the word to spring breakers who aren't really that accustomed to having to abide by rules.

In addition to banning certain items from the beach this year, the city will be positioning mobile license plate readers along the eastbound traffic lanes of the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways to discourage criminal elements from dampening the good times for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who are expected to flock here for spring break.

The devices capture images of license plates as they pass by and then cross-reference tag numbers against law enforcement databases.

A heightened police presence was evident along busy Ocean Drive on Wednesday evening, though it did not appear to affect spring break revelry. Certain traffic routes will also be reserved only for local residents with permits and business patrons.

"They can have music on the beach. We’re not here to kill anyone’s good time," said Rodriguez, adding that spring breakers are encouraged to save their alcohol consumption for the city's many bars and restaurants. "What we’re not going to be allowing is very heavily amplified music."

Rodriguez shared tips for spring breakers to avoid becoming crime victims. First, he said, it's a good idea to cover belongings on the beach or place them in a chair-side locker that can be found at some rental locations along the beach.

Cover your bag with a towel and when you go into the water keep an eye on those belongings," he said.

Spring breakers should also be mindful of their drinks at bars and clubs.

"Always keep your drinks with you," he said. "People dropping things in drinks unfortunately is not anything new. Monitor them at all times. Everyone knows their individual limits. Don’t exceed those limits."

Photos by Paul Scicchitano and Amedeo Didonato