Miami Beach announces tough new rules in bid to avoid repeat of 2023 chaos which saw two killed - with curfews and beach closures created to try and tame crowds

Florida officials are set to impose some of the toughest restrictions at Miami Beach to prevent a repeat of the chaos during Spring Break 2023, which resulted in two fatal shootings and hundreds of arrests.

The Miami Beach City Commission announced earlier this month that new rules will empower the city to mandate curfews and beach closures if needed. 

Commissioner David Suarez said: 'We are shutting it down. We really mean it this time. We are not taking half-measures. We really are doing everything we can to end Spring Break.' 

Commissioner Alex Fernandez delivered a similar strong message, saying: 'We're shutting the door on spring break once and for all. Lawlessness will not be tolerated in Miami Beach. 

The decision follows the tumultuous Spring Break in 2023, marked by two fatal shootings, nearly 500 arrests, the seize of more than 100 firearms, and numerous police clashes and brawls. 

Officials in Miami Beach, Florida, are set to impose some of the toughest rules to prevent a repeat of the chaos during the spring break of 2023, which resulted in two fatal shootings and hundreds of arrests. Pictured: Commissioner David Suarez 

The decision follows the tumultuous spring break in 2023, marked by two fatal shootings, nearly 500 arrests, the seize of more than 100 firearms, and numerous police clashes and brawls. Pictured: a handcuffed man sits on the ground in Miami Beach on March 19, 2023 

The Miami Beach City Commission announced earlier this month that new rules will empower the city to mandate curfews and beach closures if needed. Pictured: a crowd of spring breakers on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach on March 19, 2023

Visitors and residents can expect a significant police presence and robust enforcement of open container and noise laws during the peak spring break season in mid-March. 

Additionally, curfews could be implemented over two weekends of March 7-10 and March 14-17 is necessary. 

Other measures include bag checks, restricted beach access, DUI checkpoints, license plate readers, liquor stores shutting at 8pm and heightened police enforcement for drug possession and violent behavior. 

Towing fee will double to $516, four parking garages in South Beach will be shut down, and sidewalk cafes on famed Ocean Drive would be closed if necessary. 

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said this week: 'We need to correct these issues, we need to do it now and we're going to be very proactive. And if somebody thinks we're doing too much, well, that means we're probably doing it right." 

Law enforcement authorities also vowed to crackdown the wild party season, as Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones assured public during a spring break press conference on February 15. 

Meiner said: 'The measures I proposed approved by our Commission will ensure that our residents, businesses, and visitors are safe and thrive during Spring Break. 

'Everyone is invited to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of our City. But we are a law and order City and we will enforce our laws all year round, including during March's Spring Break.'

Visitors and residents can expect a significant police presence and robust enforcement of open container and noise laws during the peak spring break season in mid-March. Pictured: crowds in Miami Beach after the two fatal shootings

Law enforcement authorities also vowed to crackdown the wild party season, as Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones assured public during a spring break press conference on February 15. Pictured: crowds in Miami Beach after the two fatal shootings

Last year, Miami Beach declared a state of emergency and instituted a curfew on March 19 after two shootings over the weekend left two people dead.

The city banned revelers from being outdoors between March 19 and 20 due to the shootings and 'excessively large and unruly crowds.' 

South Georgia State College student Jordan Idahosa, 21, was shot and killed on the Friday night in the South Beach neighborhood of the city. 

The police said in their report that a suspect was in custody, and four firearms  had been seized. 

A second person was shot just over 24 hours later, dying at 3am on Sunday in a second shooting, four blocks away from where Idahosa was killed.

Dontavious Polk, 24, from Fort Lauderdale, was arrested for the fatal shooting later on Sunday, and charged with first-degree murder and held overnight, according to an arrest report. 

But these incidents did not deter partygoers as they were seen jumping on a car, brawling in streets and even trashing a slushy shop on the main drag despite the city instituting a curfew on Sunday night. 

South Georgia State College student Jordan Idahosa, 21, was shot and killed on Friday night in the South Beach neighborhood of the city

Dontavious Polk, 24, from Fort Lauderdale, was arrested for the fatal shooting later on Sunday, and charged with first-degree murder and held overnight, according to an arrest report

One reveler, Ronny, 22, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania told the Miami Herald that she was just a few feet away from the gunfire that erupted on Seventh Street and Ocean Drive.

'No one is trying to be dodging bullets on vacation,' she said as she returned to the scene of the crime to continue raging.

'I’m always having fun regardless, but y’all have to chill with that shooting stuff,' she said, adding that some of her peers are 'down here trying to recreate 'Scarface.'

More than 100 spring breakers were gathered on the beach nearby where the shooting occurred one day later. Drinking, dancing and hanging out as Afro Beats and Billboard hits. 

In 2022, the city imposed a midnight curfew following two shootings also on Ocean Drive. 

The year before, there were about 1,000 arrests and dozens of guns confiscated during a rowdy spring break that led Miami Beach officials to take steps aimed at calming the situation.

Talking about this year's laws, Jones said: 'If you are looking to cause problems, do not come to Miami Beach. 

'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 will not tolerate the behavior we have witnessed in the past few years.'