Residents are happy, visitors understand road closures in Miami Beach amid spring break chaos

MIAMI BEACH, Florida – Several roads leading to South Beach have been closed in an attempt to stop the rise in crime and bad driving during spring break.

Miami Beach City Manager Raul Aguila made the big closing announcement on Saturday afternoon.

It affects eastbound traffic for the next three nights, Saturday through Monday, 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

There are special exceptions for Miami Beach residents, hotel guests, and people who go to work.

“In an effort to reduce the crowds entering the city, we are closing the MacArthur Causeway, the Venetian Causeway and the Julia Tuttle Causeway,” Aguila said.

In short, after 9 pm you can leave Miami Beach for the night, but you cannot come back; at least not easily.

“It’s not an easy decision to make,” Aguila said.

Visitors told Local 10 News’ Saira Anwer that after witnessing the chaos and debauchery over the weekend, they understood why this decision was made, but it still put a damper on their trip.

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On the flip side, Miami Beach residents say they are happy with the pavement closure.

“You want peace and quiet, you’re spending a lot of money living in a certain area, and you don’t want people just speeding down the street,” said Tom Bronco, a Miami Beach resident. “I think it’s a great idea.”

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