The quiet days at the beach in Fort Lauderdale are over, at least for the next month and especially in the afternoons. Of the four weeks that these spring breaks or Spring Break last, next weekend is expected to be one of the busiest and authorities are already reporting the first unrest.
Thousands of tourists, mostly teenagers, are already on South Florida’s beaches, and Las Olas in Broward County is one of the busiest.
Aerial images captured in the last hours show what, for a week, the authorities have been trying to avoid. Large crowds have registered on and off the beaches amid parties involving underage and booze.
Alcohol, portable coolers, tents, loud music, electric skateboards and unauthorized street vendors are currently prohibited.
Authorities have also devised a strategy for tourists who come to bars in the area to test their drinks and identify if they have any type of psychoactive substance.
Several people in Fort Lauderdale have reported that people under the age of 21 have been seen drinking alcohol. Situation to which the authorities respond with more reinforcements which include the use of anti-drug dogs.
From the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, they show concern over the high rate of alcohol-related injuries.
“Unfortunately, this year we have seen many alcohol-related injuries,” said the Fort Lauderdale Police Chief, “said an official from that police force.
“We were walking around and we saw several police officers taking people out and cleaning up, I think the atmosphere is a bit crazy,” said Shreya Venkatraman, a tourist visiting the area.
Measures at Fort Lauderdale beaches for spring break will end on April 2. The authorities invite you to enjoy the sun and the sand, but in moderation and respecting the rules.