Miami Beach's mayor says there will be an increased police presence after a weekend triple shooting and a recent spike in crime in the city.
"Our city is outraged, what we've seen this weekend and frankly showing itself for some time now is well beyond unacceptable for our residents," Mayor Dan Gelber said at a news conference Monday.
Gelber said the city is increasing its police presence, particularly in the city's Art Deco Cultural District, and will be bringing in additional officers from Miami-Dade County on the weekend.
Miami Beach Police Chief Richard Clements said that over the next 24 hours, we can expect to see at least another two dozen officers patrolling the streets, similar to what took place during “Operation ADCD Safe” a few weeks ago.
“They made a difference. Over 400 arrests. Almost 800 citations written in an eight-week period, and it’s time to go back to work and do it again,” Clements said.
The news conference was held after a weekend shooting on crowded Washington Avenue that left three people injured, one critically. The suspect is the shooting is still being sought.
Gelber said the city's entertainment district has become "ungovernable" and said there need to be changes to how some businesses operate.
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He was also asked if he wants his daughters, who are in their early 20s, going to South Beach.
"My kids, I never, I don't send my kids to Ocean Drive, I hate to say that but it's true. In the morning I go for breakfast but not else," Gelber said.
The mayor said many of the recent incidents involve visitors to the area, not residents.
"Our city is essentially a playground for other people," Gelber said.
He said he wants Miami Beach to be a cultural destination, not a party destination or an "anything goes" city.
"Don't come here if you want to misbehave, if you have bad intentions go somewhere else or stay home," Gelber said.
