(Miami Beach, FL) -- Miami Dade Police have arrested a thousand people as unruly spring break crowds fill the streets of South Beach.
City Manager Raul Aguila says more than half are people from out of state, coming to "engage in lawlessness and an anything-goes party attitude." He said the crowds aren't eating in restaurants or patronizing businesses that badly need tourism dollars, but are just congregating in the streets by the thousands.
The City Commission has extended an 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday curfew until April 12th.
Also,
- The eastbound lanes of the MacArthur, Julia Tuttle, and Venetian causeways will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with access only for residents, hotel guest and people who work on the beach.
- Restaurants must be closed for dine-in (and outdoor dining) by 8 p.m. but can remain open for delivery and to-go orders.
- Sidewalk cafés must close at 7 p.m., and tables and chairs must be removed by 8 p.m.
Miami Beach declared a state of emergency Saturday night because of the large crowds descending on the city. Police had to use pepper balls against groups of partiers to get them to disperse after the curfew went into effect.
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