(NewsNation) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed spring break concerns regarding public safety Tuesday in Miami Beach.
“When it comes to things like spring break, we stand ready to help our local communities maintain order at this time. Florida is a very welcoming state. We welcome people to come and have a good time,” DeSantis said. “What we don’t welcome is criminal activity. What we don’t welcome is mayhem and people who want to wreak havoc on our communities.”
Florida beach cities have begun bracing for spring breakers with increased police presence and new restrictions.
DeSantis said his administration reached out to cities across the Sunshine State to get ahead and make preparations before spring break. Many jurisdictions accepted the outreach of the state and have requested backup. DeSantis said 17 law enforcement agencies have requested at least 140 National Guard troops be deployed in their cities to maintain order in their cities.
“Make no mistake about it: If you are coming here in order to enjoy Florida, fine. If you are coming for these other reasons, you are going to pay the price. We will hold you accountable because that’s what we do here,” DeSantis said.
Miami Beach officials have worked to limit the spring break chaos by implementing $100 flat fees for parking, doubling towing rates for nonresidents to $516 and closing some parking garages altogether.
The city will also not have sidewalk seating for cafes along Ocean Drive and limit beach access to avoid chaotic scenes seen in previous years. Bag checks, DUI checkpoints and increased patrols were also added to help prevent unlawful activity.
These new restrictions come on the heels of last year’s chaotic spring break that resulted in two deadly shootings and nearly 500 arrests, according to authorities.
“That was our breaking point, so, we are breaking up with you,” Miami Beach said this week in launching its “Spring Break Breakup” campaign. “And don’t try to apologize and come crawling back. This isn’t safe, so, we’re done.”
Miami Beach Police Department says people can expect to see more officers around the beach this weekend, and the Florida Highway Patrol will be visible until 3 a.m.
Though some students have already reached Florida for their spring breaks, local police departments are expected to be in “high-impact” mode starting next week, according to CBS News.
“We are a law and order state, and we are going to ensure law and order in this state,” DeSantis said.