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Dear Neighbors,
With a 24% reduction in arrests this Spring Break, we marked another step forward for Miami Beach—safer streets, stronger coordination, and a more balanced approach that worked better for our residents, businesses, and visitors.
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As Chair of the City Commission’s Public Safety Committee, I’m proud of this progress and focused on continuing to build on it. As we conclude the peak Spring Break weekends, I invite you to join my annual Spring Break Community Hearings.
These after-action Zoom meetings are an opportunity to hear directly from you—what worked, what didn’t, and what we should refine—while the experience is still fresh in our minds.
The resident hearing will take place on Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM. Zoom link: https://miamibeachfl-gov.zoom.us/j/84638555248
The business hearing on Tuesday, April 14 at 11:00 AM. Zoom link: https://miamibeachfl-gov.zoom.us/j/89751653714
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Year after year, we have taken a thoughtful and deliberate approach to improving our Spring Break plan, and this year reflected a more coordinated and disciplined strategy.
A Unified Command structure was established during peak weekends, bringing together the Police, Fire, and Transportation and Mobility departments in the Real Time Intelligence Center to coordinate operations and respond quickly to emerging issues.
Complementing this effort was a dedicated street task force—integrating police, code compliance, and parking enforcement—enabling us to address issues proactively and in the moment, rather than reactively after the fact.
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A clear example of this coordination occurred late Friday night, when around 2:00 AM we identified, through the Real Time Intelligence Center, significant overcrowding outside a South Beach venue with a history of prior incidents.
The City quickly mobilized its resources, and I engaged with the property owner and the Business Improvement District to share what I personally observed. Together, we were able to safely address the situation and ensure it did not reoccur the following night.
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But it is our police officers who do the hardest work, selflessly placing their lives on the line to keep Miami Beach safe.
From March 2 through March 23, officers made 253 arrests within the Spring Break Zone—a 24% decrease compared to last year as I mentioned earlier. Across the entire city, total arrests also declined from 423 to 364, down 14%.
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Officers continued proactive efforts to remove weapons from our streets, recovering 41 firearms during the Spring Break period through coordinated initiatives, including Operation Trigger Lock with our federal partners at the FBI and ATF.
Each firearm recovered represents a potential tragedy prevented.
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| Equally important was the outstanding work of the Miami Beach Fire Department, whose coordination and preparedness were critical throughout this period. In the entertainment district, total Fire Rescue -related incidents declined by an impressive 66% compared to last year—an encouraging reflection of improved Spring Break conditions on the ground. | |
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We also saw encouraging trends beyond policing. Code Compliance workload decreased approximately 13% year-over-year through the third week of Spring Break, with reductions in violations and noise complaints—an indication that expectations are being better understood and followed by our local businesses.
From an operational standpoint, even with a more balanced approach that maintained access to our city, parking enforcement remained strong. Over 12,328 citations were issued, helping protect residential parking zones and ensure that our neighborhoods are respected.
Taken together, these outcomes reflect a continued evolution in how Miami Beach approaches Spring Break. We are moving towards a more refined spring break model—one that prioritizes safety, supports our local economy, and aligns with a more health and wellness-focused March.
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That progress is also reflected in our economic indicators, with hotel occupancy at 86% (up 7.5%) and average daily rates increasing by 19.7% compared to last year according to the latest available numbers for the month of March.
None of this happens in isolation. It is the result of coordinated work across departments, including Police, Fire, Code Compliance, Parking, Public Works, Sanitation, Economic Development, Special Events, Parks, our Office of Marketing and Communications, and the City Attorney’s Office, as well as the partnership of residents, businesses, and visitors who respect our community.
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And importantly, no one elected official can take credit for the progress we’ve made. This has been a collective effort, built over time.
In 2023, I proposed and the City Commission adopted, my resolution proactively endorsing curfews. We also adopted my recommendations to increase parking rates, work with ride-share platforms on targeted messaging, and launching our first coordinated marketing campaign with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Mayor Steven Meiner, upon taking office, introduced a comprehensive 14-point plan and has worked diligently to secure support from the Governor, Florida Highway Patrol and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioner Laura Dominguez established the Spring Break Subcommittee of the Police Citizens Relations Committee, continued the collaboration with the GMCVB, and advanced improvements to parking strategies.
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Commissioners Joseph Magazine and David Suarez have focused on securing partnerships with high-quality events, such as Wodapalooza and Future Proof, helping foster a more positive and welcoming environment.
Although Commissioner Suarez didn’t take first place at Wodapalooza this year, I know he joins me in congratulating our police team on their well-earned victory.
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| Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt sponsored Spring Break discussion items on the City Commission, has been engaged over the years with the Black Affairs Advisory Committee, and provided support to the Goodwill Ambassador program—an important initiative that helps address quality-of-life concerns through non-law enforcement approaches. | |
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And even our newest Commissioner, Monica Matteo-Salinas, brought thoughtful and practical recommendations at the Spring Break Sunshine Meeting of the Public Safety Committee I convened in February, where we discussed key refinements to our 2026 plan, including:
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Keeping city parking garages open
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Implementing a flexible parking rate structure starting at $40, rather than a flat $100
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Removing barricades from major corridors except where truly necessary
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Allowing on-street parking to support businesses while maintaining strict enforcement
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Enhancing enforcement in residential parking zones
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Adjusting the License Plate Reader schedule to start later in the evening
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Avoiding a blanket 6 PM beach closure and exploring additional access points
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Keeping sidewalk cafés open so residents and visitors can continue to enjoy our city
I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this a safer and more orderly Spring Break.
As we look ahead, I remain committed to listening, learning, and continuing to improve through your feedback. I hope you will join me at the upcoming hearings to share your perspective and help shape what comes next.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you!
Sincerely,
Alex Fernandez
Miami Beach City Commissioner
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P.S. I would be remiss to close this note without recognizing the important role of our chaplains during Spring Break. I am especially grateful to Chaplain Erica-Sommer Dudley, who took the time to pray with me.
I also want to acknowledge Dr. Walter Richardson, a chaplain with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, who shared meaningful reflections at roll call on the ministry of presence and the importance of being peacemakers.
Their work is often among the most overlooked in our operations, yet it brings calm, compassion, and humanity in some of our most demanding moments.
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Contact our office:
Alex Fernandez, Commissioner
Alex@Miamibeachfl.gov
305-673-7030
Kara Petrella, Legislative Aide
KaraPetrella@Miamibeachfl.gov
Sydney Alonso, Esq., Commission Aide
SydneyAlonso@miamibeachfl.gov
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