An emergency curfew has been imposed for Miami Beach as thousands gathered to celebrate spring break – with reports of fights breaking out.
Revellers had been warned by US authorities to “vacation responsibly or be arrested”, as large crowds were seen in the streets with little social distancing and many not wearing masks.
A text message sent to all visitors to Miami read: “Spring break in Miami Beach may be one of the great rites of passage, but only if you plan on following the rules.
A 8pm to 8am curfew has now been imposed in the area
“Otherwise, you might as well just stay home and save yourself the court costs.”
However, it appeared many ignored the message leading to the immediate 8pm-8am curfew order.
City officials have said they are at ‘capacity’
Interim city manager Raul Aguila told the Miami Herald he has recommended keeping the rules in place until at least 12 April.
“These crowds are in the thousands,” he added. “We’re at capacity.”
Thousands have gathered to celebrate – but many have been accused of flouting restrictions
No pedestrians or vehicles will be allowed to enter the restricted area after 8pm and all businesses must close.
The curfew comes as the popular Clevelander South Beach bar announced it was temporarily suspending all food and drink sales until at least 24 March following a number of fights.
At another restaurant next door, tables and chairs were smashed during a fight, according to reports.
A county-wide midnight curfew was already in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cones laid out on Clearwater Beach as part of social distancing measures
But local officials have struggled to enforce the rules.
Under governor Ron DeSantis’ pro-business stance, Florida has no state-wide mask rules, limits on capacity or other such restrictions.