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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – The first weekend of the 2021 spring break drew large crowds to South Florida beaches, along with concerns about the possibility of a coronavirus outbreak.
In the ’60s and’ 70s, Fort Lauderdale Beach was known as the place where the boys were. On Saturday it looked like everyone had gone down too.
“Just enjoy the weather, get away from the cold,” said one beach enthusiast.
Partygoers in an SUV cheered and waved at 7News cameras as they drove near Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Spring breakers typically bring stress to cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, but this year adds concerns over COVID-19.
Local leaders said they welcome visitors to their beaches, but stressed they must follow the rules.
“We understand that there is a lot of angst in going out and enjoying our great weather and beautiful beach, but we are just asking for the cooperation of our students who decide to come to Fort Lauderdale,” Fort Lauderdale Police said. Interim Assistant Cheif Frank Sousa.
No alcohol is allowed on the beach, and no Uber or Lyft deposits are allowed along the A1A, which was crowded on Saturday afternoon. Electronic signs are in place to remind beach goers to maintain their social distancing.
Fort Lauderdale police officers remained visible throughout the weekend.
Local businesses have echoed calls from executives asking customers to obey safety rules.
“Today we have been very busy all day,” said Fabio Vaccarella, chef and owner of Casa Del Mare Ristorante along North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Vaccarella said he tried to follow the crowds and enforce the rules at his outdoor restaurant.
“The reaction is 80% good and some people don’t really believe in wearing masks and sometimes don’t respect,” he said, “We try to do our best to make everyone happy.”
The wearing of the mask was sometimes sporadic among the spring breakers.
“Hotels, yes. Restaurants, yes, but pretty much the bars and brasseries don’t seem to care, and I think they should be implementing it more, ”said Kyle Heusbourg, who is from Minnesota.
In Miami Beach, city leaders are also hoping to keep things as calm as possible, with the beach open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and sidewalk cafes closing at midnight.
“I think we’re expecting a bigger than normal spring break,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said.
There is also an increased police presence in South Beach.
Broward and Miami-Dade county officials are urging revelers to party responsibly or risk arrest.
“I already had COVID so I’m not worried about catching it,” said a Fort Lauderdale Beach reveler.
“COVID? I think I got it, I think,” said another beach goer. “Yeah, still alive.
Broward County officials debated implementing a three-week curfew, but decided not to.
Nonetheless, Fort Lauderdale officials said they would not hesitate to temporarily shut down a business if it was caught breaking the rules.
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