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MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – Thousands of revelers have packed Ocean Drive to kick off what police have said is the busiest weekend of spring break, but one popular spot will remain closed to diners due to security concerns.
7News cameras captured thousands of people along the 700 block of Ocean Drive just after 10 p.m. Friday.
About a block north, a large crowd of revelers, most of them without masks, were seen strolling down the iconic street as police guard the street.
A 7News team has spotted a Miami Beach police prisoner van waiting, in case anything gets out of hand.
Hours earlier, The Clevelander South Beach announced on Friday that it would temporarily halt its food and beverage operations.
On Friday afternoon, cameras captured empty tables and folded umbrellas at the Clevelander. The entrance to the dining room was blocked.
“Recently, we have become increasingly concerned about the safety of our dedicated employees and valued customers and the city’s ability to maintain a safe environment in the surrounding area,” the hotel manager said in a statement. letter published on social networks. “As a result, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily shut down the Clevelander South Beach food and beverage operations until at least March 24, 2021.”
The hotel said it would reassess over the next few days and decide whether to reopen or stay closed temporarily.
Their concerns likely stem from several incidents in Miami Beach over the past few days.
A cellphone video showed the end of a scramble on Ocean Drive on Friday night as people fled. Several women screamed as they fled to safety.
The stampede occurred after a large group of people gathered near Wet Willie’s.
Police used pepper bombs to break up a scuffle outside a restaurant on Thursday night, sending spring breakers running for cover.
A cellphone video showed the patrons of Jalapeño Mexican Kitchen on the 500 block of Ocean Drive as they stepped under tables.
Before the situation escalated into chaos, revelers packed Ocean Drive between Eighth and Ninth Streets.
When the fight broke out and the police moved in, nearby restaurants were badly affected. The video showed discarded and broken furniture and glassware, and the checks were not paid.
A man was also killed following a shooting on Monday evening.
Police have stepped up efforts to crack down on crime in the city, including using officers from other departments.
“We’re in the prime of spring break, this weekend being what should be the busiest of the week,” said Miami Beach police officer Ernesto Rodriguez. “Lots of extra reinforcements in terms of police activity here in Miami Beach, so a lot of measures in place to curb any criminal activity, tame the crowds and encourage the people who are here to behave responsibly. Otherwise, the message is clear: you will be arrested. “
Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said he was troubled by the recent incidents captured on video.
“We’re just going to have to deal with it the best we can. I hate watching videos, ”he said.
Ultimately, Gelber said he wanted to end the Entertainment District, but for now, he’s focused on getting started with Spring Break.
“I want people to know that we have a lot of agents here, and we don’t warn people. We stop them, ”he said.
At least two dozen people were arrested Thursday evening.
“In the past five and a half weeks, we’ve seen over 900 arrests,” Rodriguez said.
Miami Beach called in the Florida Highway Patrol. The video showed soldiers on the east side of MacArthur Causeway on Friday night.
Hours later, cameras showed emergency traffic along the westbound lanes of Fifth Street just before the causeway.
Officials said they were ready to close the causeway this weekend if necessary to control the number of people heading to Miami Beach.
In his statement, the Clevelander South Beach manager wrote, “The employees at Clevelander have our full support and will receive their full pay during this time.”
However, many of these employees depend on counseling for a living.
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