MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Spring break is upon Florida and once again the state is deploying its law enforcement assets to help several local cities deal with the crowds that come with young vacationers.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced during a news conference Thursday afternoon in Miami Beach that 12 local agencies across the state requested help.
That will include Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers and equipment.
“More than 100 troopers will be deployed,” DeSantis said. “We’ve also additional assets on standby for deployment should they be needed, including drone assets, aviation assets, bearcats and canine units.”
The state did this last year as well, as South Florida cities grappled with rowdy crowds of teenagers and young adults, leading to violence and vandalism.
Miami Beach is once again trying to convince spring-breakers to stay away with a website that talks about the heavy police presence, high parking fees and curfews. Miami Beach is one of the cities that will get extra help.
“It was instrumental in us having the success that we did last year. It was a united front, though. It took so many different partners to make it happen," said Miami Beach Mayor Steve Meiner.
In Central Florida, only New Smyrna Beach Police Department is getting help from Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the agency told News 6.
The other agencies include the sheriff’s offices in Lee, Sarasota and Walton counties, and police departments in Bay Harbor, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Jacksonville Beach, Tampa, Panama City Beach and Cottondale.
Central Florida’s beach cities are also preparing for the influx of spring breakers, particularly in Volusia County. We are asking our local agencies if any are getting assistance from the state. Stay with News 6 for updates.