Spring break shootings: Miami Beach emergency brings curfew
Miami Beach-Spring Break-Curfew FILE - A police officer on an ATV patrols in Miami Beach, Florida's famed South Beach, Monday, March 22, 2021. City of Miami Beach officials declared a state of emergency on Monday, March 21, 2022, and an upcoming curfew, bidding to curb violent incidents at spring break that saw five people wounded in two separate shootings. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) (Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — City of Miami Beach officials declared a state of emergency on Monday and an upcoming curfew, bidding to curb violent incidents at spring break that saw five people wounded in two separate shootings. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber and City Manager Alina Hudak announced the emergency order at an afternoon news conference. It includes a curfew for the South Beach area that starts early Thursday after midnight and runs through the weekend.
wftv.comSpring break shootings: Miami Beach emergency brings curfew
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — City of Miami Beach officials declared a state of emergency on Monday and an upcoming curfew, bidding to curb violent incidents at spring break that saw five people wounded in two separate shootings. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber and City Manager Alina Hudak announced the emergency order at an afternoon news conference. It includes a curfew for the South Beach area that starts early Thursday after midnight and runs through the weekend. Three people were wounded early Sunday on a street crowded with spring breakers in the city's South Beach neighborhood, police said. At the urging of some residents, city officials have been working in recent years to crack down on unruly behavior in South Beach.
wftv.comAnti-Semitic flyers distributed in 2 South Florida cities
Anti-Semitic flyers were distributed over the weekend to hundreds of homes in two South Florida cities with large Jewish populations, authorities said. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber tweeted that flyers in plastic sandwich bags with small pebbles were distributed to hundreds of homes. In neighboring Surfside, the same type of flyers were distributed to homes, officials said in a “community alert" email to residents.
news.yahoo.comMiami Beach says law-breaking partiers no longer tolerated
The police department reassigned an average of 40 officers to patrol South Beach streets, to increase “visibility” not just on nights and weekends, but throughout the day, the memo stated. Ten officers from the county are being added every weekend to South Beach duty for the rest of the year, Gelber said in a video message Friday. The beach-front party scene has been plagued with increasingly out-of-control partiers during holiday weekends. “Every few days, I call a police officer who has been injured in the line of duty,” the mayor said. He warned that the new stepped-up police presence was not sustainable, and said the party district needs to be rezoned with fewer bars and clubs and more residential and office building.
wftv.comMiami Beach says law-breaking partiers no longer tolerated
The police department reassigned an average of 40 officers to patrol South Beach streets, to increase “visibility” not just on nights and weekends, but throughout the day, the memo stated. Ten officers from the county are being added every weekend to South Beach duty for the rest of the year, Gelber said in a video message Friday. The beach-front party scene has been plagued with increasingly out-of-control partiers during holiday weekends. “Every few days, I call a police officer who has been injured in the line of duty,” the mayor said. He warned that the new stepped-up police presence was not sustainable, and said the party district needs to be rezoned with fewer bars and clubs and more residential and office building.
wftv.comMiami Beach says law-breaking partiers no longer tolerated
South Beach's sizzling party scene is about to undergo a massive boost in police presence and tougher crackdowns on raucous crowds and crime, weeks after a tourist eating dinner with his family was fatally shot at a Miami Beach restaurant, authorities say. “The many years of troubling incidents in this district can no longer be tolerated,” City Manager Alina Hudak said in a memo Friday disclosing plans to “create the highest level of regular police presence this area has ever seen.” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber ordered police, along with fire rescue, parking, sanitation and other departments to devise a unified strategy to deal with the crowds.
news.yahoo.com‘The Pied Piper leading us off a cliff’: Florida governor condemned as Covid surges
Ron DeSantis’s desire to keep state open amid Delta surge draws criticism from local leaders to the White House Ron DeSantis on Tuesday at a news conference. ‘You try to fearmonger, you try to do this stuff,’ DeSantis snapped at a reporter who asked him about the state’s record number of hospitalizations. Photograph: Wilfredo Lee/AP Florida governor Ron DeSantis earned a new moniker this week as the resurgent coronavirus continued to wreak havoc on his state: the “Pied Piper of Covid-19, leading
news.yahoo.comTragedy casts pall over July Fourth holiday in South Florida
A vigil was planned for Sunday night in Miami Beach for the victims of the fallen Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside, Florida. Other cities across the region also canceled fireworks shows, as officials overseeing rescue operations in Surfside prepared to demolish the still-standing portion of Champlain Towers South. One of the few locations in Miami-Dade County that was going forward with fireworks displays was former President Donald Trump’s golf resort in Doral. But in Surfside, the holiday had taken on a new meaning: one without fanfare, but with a lot of gratitude. “This July 4 we’re reminded that patriotism isn’t just about loyalty to country,” Cava, the Miami-Dade County mayor, said during a news conference.
wftv.comTragedy casts pall over July Fourth holiday in South Florida
A vigil was planned for Sunday night in Miami Beach for the victims of the fallen Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside, Florida. Other cities across the region also canceled fireworks shows, as officials overseeing rescue operations in Surfside prepared to demolish the still-standing portion of Champlain Towers South. One of the few locations in Miami-Dade County that was going forward with fireworks displays was former President Donald Trump’s golf resort in Doral. But in Surfside, the holiday had taken on a new meaning: one without fanfare, but with a lot of gratitude. “This July 4 we’re reminded that patriotism isn’t just about loyalty to country,” Cava, the Miami-Dade County mayor, said during a news conference.
wftv.comTragedy casts pall over July Fourth holiday in South Florida
The Fourth of July holiday was marked with somber tones in South Florida, where a collapsed building has left at least 24 dead and more than 120 missing under rubble. “July 4 is ordinarily a time to gather with our loved ones and to celebrate our freedom and our independence, and this year the holiday looks very different," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. A vigil was planned for Sunday night in Miami Beach for the victims of the fallen Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside, Florida.
news.yahoo.comMiami Beach replaces July 4 fireworks with ‘shine a light’ moment to honor Surfside
As a tribute to the first responders, victims and families of those missing in the partial condo collapse, Miami Beach announced Thursday it will replace its originally planned fireworks celebration with a moment for residents to “shine a light in a symbolic gesture of unity,” according to a city press release.
news.yahoo.comClevelander sues Miami Beach over 2 a.m. alcohol-sales rollback, Ocean Drive closure
The Clevelander, one of South Beach’s best-known hotels, sued the city of Miami Beach Monday over what its attorneys called a “series of regulatory attacks” that will soon force the popular entertainment venue — and others — to turn down the music and end alcohol sales hours earlier.
news.yahoo.comHotels excited for Memorial Day crowds as Miami Beach hopes to avoid spring break woes
After playing host to a chaotic spring break, Miami Beach is once again bracing for large crowds as Memorial Day Weekend approaches, with hoteliers optimistic about a spike in business even as the mayor promises to crack down on misbehavior.
news.yahoo.comMiami Beach extends curfew as police chief says partying couldn't "go on any longer"
Commissioners gathered virtually Sunday and extended for another week the emergency declaration issued Saturday in response to the unruly South Beach crowds, CBS Miami reported. People enjoy themselves along Ocean Drive on March 19, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. A military-style vehicle was seen rolling down the palm-tree lined Ocean Drive as outnumbered Miami Beach police officers struggled to disperse the raucous crowds Saturday. Miami Beach police officers keep an eye on people along Ocean Drive on March 19, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said he has trouble sleeping at night, worried about the out-of-control parties.
cbsnews.comMiami extends curfew as police chief says partying couldn't "go on any longer"
People enjoy themselves along Ocean Drive on March 19, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. A military-style vehicle was seen rolling down the palm-tree lined Ocean Drive as outnumbered Miami Beach police officers struggled to disperse the raucous crowds Saturday. Miami Beach police officers keep an eye on people along Ocean Drive on March 19, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said he has trouble sleeping at night, worried about the out-of-control parties. Miami tourism officials say billions of dollars were lost when the pandemic first erupted last year, canceling spring break and forcing beach closures across the Sunshine State.
cbsnews.comOfficers fire pepper balls at spring break partygoers breaking curfew in Miami Beach
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – WPLG reports the City of Miami Beach has declared an emergency as police and elected officials react to large crowds and lawlessness during Spring Break. Pepper balls were used to control crowds of people on South Beach Saturday night as law enforcement attempted to enforce a newly imposed curfew. Several roads were also closed in Miami Beach as officials hoped to stem the rise in crime. Pepper balls were fired into the crowds of hundreds of Spring Break partygoers on South Beach after multiple attempts by police to disburse them. “Quite frankly, I am concerned that the behavior is getting more for us to be able to handle,” said Miami Beach Police Chief Richard Clements.
Trump Casino Miami? Florida gambling bill raises possibility
Trump doesn’t own any of those, but could buy one and move the license to his Trump National Doral property. Even though Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are close allies, any bill would face opposition from other tourism and gambling interests. Armando Codina said gambling revenue would be siphoned to Tallahassee, while leaving Doral, Miami Beach and Miami to deal with the increased crime and social problems casinos would bring. “When it comes to my opposition to casino gambling, there are no parties,” Codina said.
Hundreds arrested in Miami Beach as spring breakers ignore COVID-19 protocols, mayor says
The mayor of Miami Beach said hundreds of people were arrested and at least two police officers were injured this weekend as thousands of spring breakers flocked to the popular South Florida destination — ignoring COVID-19 safety protocols. 1/2 — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 13, 2021On Saturday night, 30 more people were arrested in South Beach, police said. "If you're coming here because you think anything goes, you're going to have a terrible time. On March 10, the city of Miami Beach extended its state of emergency declaration and emergency measures through March 17, which includes a midnight curfew. Some colleges and universities have scaled back days off or canceling spring break altogether, as officials try to curb partying that could lead to a spike in COVID-19 infections.
cbsnews.comHundreds arrested in Miami Beach as spring breakers ignore COVID-19 protocols, mayor says
The mayor of Miami Beach said hundreds of people were arrested and at least two police officers were injured this weekend as thousands of spring breakers flocked to the popular South Florida destination — ignoring COVID-19 safety protocols. 1/2 — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 13, 2021On Saturday night, 30 more people were arrested in South Beach, police said. "If you're coming here because you think anything goes, you're going to have a terrible time. On March 10, the city of Miami Beach extended its state of emergency declaration and emergency measures through March 17, which includes a midnight curfew. Some colleges and universities have scaled back days off or canceling spring break altogether, as officials try to curb partying that could lead to a spike in COVID-19 infections.
cbsnews.comMiami Beach mayor to would-be spring breakers: "We are enforcing zero tolerance"
Miami Beach mayor to would-be spring breakers: "We are enforcing zero tolerance" Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss what his city is doing to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks as travelers flock to Florida during spring break.
cbsnews.com‘We’re failing pretty horribly:’ Florida mayors plead with governor to take action on virus
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Five Florida mayors on Wednesday said they were extremely concerned about the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state, and begged Gov. Ron DeSantis to change his approach to the virus in hopes of slowing the spread. Following a monthslong decline from its huge summer spike in the outbreak, Florida has seen a mid-autumn climb in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Still, the governor has resisted a return to statewide restrictions in place earlier in the year. “What Florida is doing right now isn’t working,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, during a sharply worded news conference on Zoom.
Coronavirus: Florida mayor accuses governor of pursuing herd immunity
MIAMI – As coronavirus cases surge throughout the country, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber is calling out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, accusing him of pursuing so-called herd immunity. “The governor seems to be following this concept of allowing the virus to spread in the community, on purpose almost,” Gelber said in an interview with News 6 partner Local 10 News. Florida has posted statewide positivity rates above 8% in three of the past four days. And the promise of a vaccine is on the horizon, as American drug maker Pfizer and a German partner are saying studies show their COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective.
In Miami Beach, live theater returns — in vacant storefronts
NEW YORK – This fall, the seven deadly sins will be found all along an iconic Miami Beach thoroughfare — but they'll be socially distanced, thankfully. “This pandemic has shown in stark light the fragility of our world,” said Miami New Drama Artistic Director Michel Hausmann. The Miami City Ballet recently took over a vacant storefront. The move by Miami New Drama is just the latest attempt by theatermakers to offer their art to the public despite the ongoing pandemic, which has stuttered traditional theater venues. The Public Theater in New York City has turned to audio plays, while the Vineyard Theatre plans digital and outdoor productions.
Florida lawmaker questions company providing contact tracing
ORLANDO, Fla. A Central Florida Congressman is demanding answers from one of the companies the state of Florida pays to provide contact tracing. Contact tracing is tracking down everyone a person positive with a virus has come in contact with. His staff also contacted the president of Favorite Healthcare Staffing with specific questions about the states contact tracing program. The Florida Department of Health has given few details about the state's contact tracing program. In Miami-Dade County, contact tracing has been effectively non-existent.Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said after weeks of asking, the Department of Health shared contact tracing data for a 14-day period.
Pandemic becomes politically fraught for Florida governor
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, arrives for a roundtable discussion with Miami-Dade County mayors during the coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.
Pandemic becomes politically fraught for Florida governor
Ron DeSantis, center, arrives for a roundtable discussion with Miami-Dade County mayors during the coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. The coronavirus pandemic has become politically fraught for Florida Gov. The video ends with the governor declaring, "I'm a hundred percent confident we're going to get through this." Susan MacManus, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Florida, said the governor struck the right message of unity in turbulent times. Another Republican, state Rep. Rene Plasencia, called reopening campuses potentially catastrophic" in a letter earlier this week addressed to school board members.
South Florida mayor asks governor for statewide mask mandate
MIAMI, Fla. Among the requests from Miami-Dade County mayors when it comes to Floridas coronavirus response is a statewide mask mandate. Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez said if things dont improve within the next few weeks, its possible that some of the reopenings could be rolled back. As the efforts continue, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said consistency in messaging is key, which is why he implored DeSantis to issue a statewide mask mandate. The only reason I thought its important, is I think it will tell people, You have to do this.' Making sure the data provided by the Florida Department of Health is consistent with numbers provided by local health departments.
The Latest: S. Korea baseball fans will have to wear masks
Residents wearing masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus line up for COVID-19 test outside the Worker's Stadium in Beijing on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Test sites have sprung up through the Chinese capital as test have become a daily normal after the latest outbreak of the coronavirus, (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
The Latest: S. Korea baseball fans will have to wear masks
(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)SEOUL, South Korea -- South Koreas professional baseball league says it will require fans to wear masks, sit at least a seat apart and prohibit them from eating food in the stands as it prepares to bring back spectators in the coming weeks amid the coronavirus epidemic. The Korea Baseball Organization said Tuesday that teams will be initially allowed to sell only 30% of the seats for each game. South Korea has been actively tracing the contacts of virus carriers using credit card information, cellphone location data and surveillance camera footage. Virus cases worldwide hit 10 million and deaths have surpassed 500,000. Kansas health officials reported on Monday at least 14,443 confirmed coronavirus cases, an increase of 905 since Friday.
Memorial Day tempts Americans outdoors, raising virus fears
Many Memorial Day commemorations have been canceled or downsized, including concerts and fireworks shows. I know I am.In Virginia Beach, Virginia, the famed 40-block boardwalk and sandy shoreline reopened, but with spacing guidelines and groups limited to 10. For the hard-hit tourism and hospitality industry, there is modest hope Memorial Day will mark the start of something resembling recovery. Data and consulting firm Tourism Economics projects travelers will spend $4.2 billion on Memorial Day weekend, compared with $12.3 billion last year. Oklahoma resident Seth Rott this week boarded a plane for the first time since the pandemic to visit a friend in Washington for Memorial Day.
‘Very challenging:’ Florida city issues 652 face mask warnings 1st day back in parks
City Manager Jimmy Morales called Wednesday's reopening a “very challenging Day One.”“If we continue to experience people refusing to comply with the city’s emergency orders, including wearing face coverings where required (parks, beachwalks, baywalks, etc. ), we will need to close certain areas,” Morales said in a tweet Thursday. Miami Beach police Chief Richard Clements presented a report to the city administration Thursday with the violations that park rangers found Wednesday at open spaces across the city, the Miami Herald reported. Commissioner Ricky Arriola, who has called for the city to be reopened more quickly, called the mask rule “silly” and said it was implemented for political “optics," the Herald reported. “If people are maintaining social distance, I don’t see how a mask is going to do much good,” he said.
Coronavirus Florida: State prepares for surge in cases with makeshift hospitals
The corps has established field hospitals elsewhere to treat coronavirus patients, notably at New York Citys Javits Center. There were 184 coronavirus cases in Sarasota County as of Wednesday evening and 172 in Manatee County, with eight deaths in each county. The corporate tax refund stems from the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The law gave companies major federal tax savings, but also increased for some their state tax liabilities. The Florida Legislature subsequently approved a measure requiring the state to refund corporate income tax collections above a certain level.
news-journalonline.comFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis wore a single rubber glove at his coronavirus briefing today for some reason
click to enlarge Screenshot via the Florida ChannelHow not to use gloves by @GovRonDeSantis. pic.twitter.com/CjBFLBzzaR Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) April 8, 2020click to enlarge Screenshot of Florida Channel via KevinCate/TwitterWhile holding a press conference to unveil a new coronavirus hospital in Miami, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis demonstrated exactly how not to wear rubber gloves during a pandemic on Wednesday afternoon.Joined by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, DeSantis addressed reporters by staying at least staying 6 feet away from the other speakers. But for some reason, DeSantis also chose to wear a single rubber glove on his left hand, which is unfortunate because he was also seen periodically touching his face.Oddly, DeSantis wasnt the only person demonstrating how not to wear rubber gloves. Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz also opted for the singular glove look.The press conference was broadcast across the state by multiple news outlets, as well as The Florida Channel
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