The Fort Lauderdale Police Department announced that it has made 20 spring break-related arrests, as of Friday, March 29.
Most of the arrests involved South Florida locals. Charges included disorderly conduct, cellphone thefts, battery on a law enforcement officer, and traffic, drug and trespassing-related offenses.
Four arrests involved actual spring breakers — two of those arrests were for disorderly conduct, another involved battery on a law enforcement officer, and one for trespassing.
In 2023, only eight arrests were made, involving seven locals and one spring breaker.
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Fort Lauderdale Police said in a statement that it has been dealing with more crowds this spring break.
“As a part of FLPD’s proactive approach to spring break, we have maintained an increased police presence along Fort Lauderdale Beach and in our downtown entertainment district throughout the month of March. This year, we are experiencing larger crowds than in years past and as a result, we have had isolated incidents, such as disturbances and fights," the statement read. "Our officers have immediately responded to and dispersed the crowds involved in these incidents without issue. We have made 18 spring break related arrests since March 1."
