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Miami Beach broke up with spring break last year, and city leaders still aren’t interested in couples counseling.
Officials recently announced they were bringing back enhanced security measures for practically the entire month of March, including parking restrictions and increased fees for nonresidents.
The new rules were introduced last year after three consecutive years of spring break violence.
The city is again warning visitors to expect curfews, bag searches at the beach, early beach closures, DUI checkpoints and arrests for drug possession and violence.
Some business owners see the restrictions as necessary to ensure public safety, while others are concerned that the rules could irreparably damage Miami Beach's status as an iconic tourist destination.
David Wallack, owner of Mango’s Tropical Cafe, said Miami Beach has thrived as an entertainment destination for nearly a century, even through Prohibition and the Great Depression.
Instead of trying to scare people away, city officials need to organize events, such as concerts, art festivals and sporting events, to attract people who will spend money.