Fort Lauderdale city leaders and police discussed spring break operations Friday in an attempt to curb impending chaos.
Officials were quick to educate everyone that alcohol is prohibited on the beach, except on hotel property.
"We will be watching out for beverage violations like open containers and giving alcohol to anyone under 21, enforced by uniform and undercover officers," Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz said.
So far, the city plans to hike parking fees to $100 a day and issue a $125 fine for expired meters.
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Mayor Dean Trantalis said hiking parking rates will help keep the beaches from getting too crowded.
SPRING BREAK 2024
Increased police patrols, firefighters and paramedics are on hand over the next month so they can respond even faster.
For the first time, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue distributed Narcan to hotels along the beach and downtown so it's on hand in case someone has an overdose.
"We are always prepared for anyone who comes to our community," Trantalis said. "We don’t know the numbers, we don’t know who is going to come. It’s not so much the number of people but the attitude of people."
The discussion comes as another popular South Florida destination is taking steps to prevent unruly behavior ahead of spring break.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale said it will regulate the number of visitors for the entire month of March. Beginning on Friday, the Wharf will be 23+ only for guests with an out-of-state ID.
A final vote for the spring break measures is expected on Monday.
Last month, Miami Beach took similar steps to prepare for spring break. City officials detailed the strict measures they're implementing in the hopes of "putting an end to spring break" in the city.
The tough new measures in Miami Beach are being put in place after recent spring break seasons have seen unruly crowds, lawless behavior and a string of violent acts.
