FLORIDA - Dozens of people celebrating spring break across two popular beach destinations in Florida were arrested as authorities continue to crack down on the mayhem wreaking havoc up and down the shores of the Sunshine State.
Fort Lauderdale made nine arrests related to spring break over the weekend, bringing the total number of arrests for the season to 47, according to Fox News. Authorities with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco also issued 12 new notices to appear to spring breakers, resulting in a total of 29 notices being handed out since the season began.
The arrests vary in severity from trespassing and open container charges to assault and battery, according to data provided by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
Authorities in Daytona Beach conducted a total of 75 beachside arrests, including 12 felony arrests and 15 arrests related to narcotics, as confirmed by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Both destinations are cracking down on rowdy college students after videos from both locations showed chaotic scenes.
Last week, the City of Daytona Beach declared a state of emergency stemming from authorities making over 100 arrests. "Daytona Beach should no longer position itself as a spring break destination," Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said. "It is not a decision against tourism, but a decision against unsanctioned high-risk activity that strains resources, disrupts our community, and places unnecessary demands on public safety personnel."
The move came after several unauthorized beach "takeover events" organized on social media wreaked havoc on the spring break hot spot. These events led to 133 arrests throughout Volusia County, including 84 in Daytona Beach and 49 in New Smyrna Beach.
"We're focusing on that core area with the kids that are out there underage drinking, smoking weed, all that stuff, so that we have tools to be able to get them off the street," Young added. Both cities have since implemented curfews for individuals under the age of 18 in an attempt to calm the chaos, as officials are pointing to a strain on local resources.
"It’s not like these folks RSVP," Young said, according to FOX 35. "So it’s somewhat of a guessing game as to how many people are actually showing up, and we do our best to make sure we have resources out there, but truth be told, with the amount of people that were in town this weekend, I literally have about 222 sworn officers."
Fort Lauderdale made nine arrests related to spring break over the weekend, bringing the total number of arrests for the season to 47, according to Fox News. Authorities with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco also issued 12 new notices to appear to spring breakers, resulting in a total of 29 notices being handed out since the season began.
The arrests vary in severity from trespassing and open container charges to assault and battery, according to data provided by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
Authorities in Daytona Beach conducted a total of 75 beachside arrests, including 12 felony arrests and 15 arrests related to narcotics, as confirmed by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Both destinations are cracking down on rowdy college students after videos from both locations showed chaotic scenes.
Last week, the City of Daytona Beach declared a state of emergency stemming from authorities making over 100 arrests. "Daytona Beach should no longer position itself as a spring break destination," Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said. "It is not a decision against tourism, but a decision against unsanctioned high-risk activity that strains resources, disrupts our community, and places unnecessary demands on public safety personnel."
The move came after several unauthorized beach "takeover events" organized on social media wreaked havoc on the spring break hot spot. These events led to 133 arrests throughout Volusia County, including 84 in Daytona Beach and 49 in New Smyrna Beach.
"We're focusing on that core area with the kids that are out there underage drinking, smoking weed, all that stuff, so that we have tools to be able to get them off the street," Young added. Both cities have since implemented curfews for individuals under the age of 18 in an attempt to calm the chaos, as officials are pointing to a strain on local resources.
"It’s not like these folks RSVP," Young said, according to FOX 35. "So it’s somewhat of a guessing game as to how many people are actually showing up, and we do our best to make sure we have resources out there, but truth be told, with the amount of people that were in town this weekend, I literally have about 222 sworn officers."
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