FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – The first weekend of the spring break of 2021 brought large crowds to the beaches of South Florida, along with concerns about the potential for a coronavirus outbreak.
In the 1960s and 70s, Fort Lauderdale beach was known as the place where the boys were. On Saturday, it seemed like everyone went down too.
“I’m just enjoying the weather, running away from the cold,” said one bather.
The revelers in an SUV applauded and greeted the 7News cameras as they drove near Fort Lauderdale beach.
Spring break often brings stress to cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, but this year adds COVID-19 concerns to the mix.
Local leaders said they welcome visitors to their beaches, but stressed that they have to follow the rules.
“We understand that there is a lot of anguish to go out and enjoy our beautiful weather and beautiful beach, but we are just asking for the cooperation of our college students who decide to come to Fort Lauderdale,” said Fort Lauderdale police assistant, Cheif. Frank Sousa.
Alcohol is not allowed on the beach, and no Uber or Lyft drop-offs are allowed along A1A, which was packed on Saturday afternoon. Electronic boards are installed to remind swimmers to maintain their social distance.
Fort Lauderdale law enforcement officers remained visible throughout the weekend.
Local businesses echoed leaders’ calls for customers to comply with safety regulations.
“Today we have been very busy all day,” said Fabio Vaccarella, chef and owner of Casa Del Mare Ristorante along North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Vaccarella said he has been trying to keep up with the crowd and enforce the rules at his outdoor restaurant.
“The reaction is 80% good and some people don’t really believe in wearing masks and sometimes don’t respect it,” he said, “We try to do our best to make everyone happy.”
The use of masks has been sporadic at times among spring breakers.
“Hotels, yes. Restaurants, yes, but basically bars and breweries don’t seem to care, and I feel like they should implement it more, ”said Kyle Heusbourg, who is visiting from Minnesota.
In Miami Beach, city leaders also hope to keep things as calm as possible, with the beach open from 7 am to 7 pm and sidewalk cafes closing at midnight.
“I think we’re expecting a bigger-than-typical spring holiday,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.
There is also an increase in police presence in South Beach.
Officials in Broward and Miami-Dade counties are asking partygoers to party responsibly or risk being arrested.
“I already had COVID, so I’m not worried about catching it,” said a Fort Lauderdale Beach partygoer.
“COVID? I think I’m fed up, I think,” said another bather. “Yes, I’m still alive.”
Broward County officials debated implementing a curfew over a three-week period, but decided against it.
However, Fort Lauderdale officials said they would not hesitate to temporarily close a company if it is found to be in breach of the rules.
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