Absolutely Wild Photos Show Spring Break In Miami As COVID Still Rages
Chaotic scenes from the weekend showed maskless revelers drinking and partying in the streets in defiance of curfew orders.
On Sunday, Miami Beach officials voted to extend a curfew and other emergency restrictions for three weeks due to concerns about unruly crowds gathering amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Chaotic scenes from the weekend showed maskless revelers drinking and partying in the streets in defiance of curfew orders, with riot police even sent in to try to control the crowds — a decision that drew criticism and accusations of racism. More than 1,000 people have been arrested so far this spring break season, according to police.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has refused to require mask mandates be enforced and has said his state's lax restrictions have helped their tourism economy.
Now curfews will be extended in an effort to avoid further scenes. The iconic Ocean Drive strip in South Beach will be closed to all cars and pedestrians for four nights a week, while only residents and hotel guests will be allowed to enter certain zones.
Women dance on top of cars as revelers enjoy spring break festivities despite an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by local authorities in Miami Beach, March 20, 2021.
People gather while exiting the area as curfew goes into effect, March 21, 2021.
Police officers detain a man after the 8 p.m. curfew imposed by local authorities on spring break festivities, March 20, 2021.
People leave the area as curfew goes into effect, March 21, 2021.
A man stands on a car as crowds defiantly gather in the street while a speaker blasts music an hour past curfew, March 21, 2021.
People gather while exiting the area as curfew goes into effect, March 21, 2021.
People walk along Ocean Drive, March 21, 2021.
Women fight on the street near Ocean Drive, March 19, 2021.
People leave the area as curfew goes into effect, March 21, 2021.
People leave the area as curfew goes into effect, March 21, 2021.
Miami Beach police officers direct people away from the area after the 8 p.m. curfew, March 21, 2021.
A man closes a restaurant ahead of the 8 p.m. curfew imposed by local authorities on spring break festivities, March 20, 2021.
A city employee cleans up on Ocean Drive after curfew, March 21, 2021.
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Kate Bubacz is the Photo Director for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York.
Contact Kate Bubacz at kate.bubacz@buzzfeed.com.
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David Mack is a senior breaking news reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York.
Contact David Mack at david.mack@buzzfeed.com.
