Fewer Arrests for Start of Urban Beach Weekend 2013: Miami Beach Police

Miami Beach Police reported 131 arrests in the first two days - 32 less than last year.

Urban Beach Weekend is underway and that means increased traffic and heavy police activity in Miami Beach.

So far, police say arrests are down for the Memorial Day celebration that draws in tens of thousands of revelers.

Miami Beach Police reported 131 arrests in the first two days - 32 less than last year. That may be the lowest number of arrests for Urban Beach Weekend so far.

Of those 131 arrested, 56 were locals, 32 others were from Florida and 40 were from out of state, according to Miami Beach Police.

At least 44 of the arrests were drug related, 12 were due to disorderly conduct and 6 were due to disorderly intoxication.

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There were less than 400 arrests last year, which was about the same as the year before.

Officers will continue to patrol the streets on foot, AT-Vs and horseback throughout the weekend. They are checking license tags, setting up check points for impaired drivers and watching from bird's-eye cameras that cover areas where officers aren't stationed.

"It's just a little different, because they've got a lot more controlled environment going on, but it's OK," said Fort Lauderdale resident DJ Sirty.

Some business owners said they are afraid the increased police presence will draw people away, but many say they feel safer.

"We ain't doing nothing wrong so we don't care," said Jasmine Clemons, who is visiting from New York.

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