Latest news with #MelissaBerthier
Axios
2 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Florida's Pride crosswalk crackdown expected to hit South Beach next, city says
Florida transportation officials are expected to order Miami Beach to remove its LGBTQ Pride crosswalk on Ocean Drive, citing a new ban on street art, city officials tell Axios. Why it matters: City leaders are raising the alarm after Key West and Delray Beach received orders from the Florida Department of Transportation last week to paint over their rainbow-colored intersections by Sept. 3. The latest: City spokesperson Melissa Berthier tells Axios the city expects to receive a letter ordering the removal of its Pride crosswalk on Ocean Drive and 12th Street, but had not yet received one as of Wednesday morning. "Once we do get the letter that outlines our options, we will determine next steps," Berthier wrote in a statement. An FDOT spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. What they're saying: "This is complete and utter bulls*** that the state has no business getting involved in," Commissioner Joseph Magazine posted in a resident Facebook group Tuesday night. He said the city "just received word from FDOT that we are required to remove all 'artistic crosswalks,' specifically the rainbow colored crosswalk on Ocean Drive..." Magazine said the crosswalk, installed in 2018, "was a welcome symbol for everyone" and "bothered no one." Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the city's only openly gay elected leader, has rebutted arguments from state and federal transportation leaders that street art can distract drivers. "Our Pride crosswalk was properly approved, it is safe, and it reflects the values of inclusion that define Miami Beach...," he wrote. "And we will not allow safety to be used as a cover for censorship or for erasing a symbol that represents love, visibility and equality." Threat level: The June 30 state mandate — which echoed guidance from the Trump administration on removing political messages from roadways — says noncompliant governments may lose state transportation funding. "Non-standard surface markings, signage and signals … can lead to distractions or misunderstandings, jeopardizing both driver and pedestrian safety," the FDOT memo says. What's next: In its letters to Key West and Delray Beach, FDOT officials have given the cities the option to contest the order at hearings in September. Both Fernandez and Magazine said the city should challenge the order, if and when it is received. Magazine also proposed placing rainbow-colored park benches in Lummus Park, which he said he would purchase himself and invite the community to paint.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Yahoo
Curfews and beach bag searches: This Florida city cracks down on spring break. What to know
Spring break is coming up soon and students are itching to get away from classes, cast away their cares and go wild... except in Miami Beach. The city of Miami Beach is cracking down again on "disorderly crowds, lawless behavior and violence" by letting visitors know which kinds of wild and crazy partying won't fly. Most of it, in fact. A lot of what spring breakers might be heading to the beach for is already prohibited on Miami Beach year-round: No consumption of alcohol in public No smoking on beaches or in parks No narcotics or marijuana No driving under the influence No driving a scooter or vehicle irresponsibly No violence of any kind No cigarettes, coolers, inflatable devices, tents or tables, loud music, glass containers, styrofoam, plastic straws or balloons on the beach In a spoof reality show video clip the city released, "Spring Break Reality Check Miami Beach," attractive young people hit the beach to party but are immeditely told they can't drink in public or play loud music. "Apparently the only thing that wasn't contraband was the grapes and the cheese," a girl says in the video. They also run afoul of the DUI sobriety checkpoints, the $100 parking and the curfew. "Worst. Spring break. Ever," the breakers said. 'Law and order is the number one priority in our city, and there is no compromising on that,' said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said at a press conference earlier this month. Many popular spring break destinations in Florida amp up their police presence for the increased crowds but none go as far as Miami Beach. The city did the same thing last year, following three consecutive years of violence and excessive rowdiness, with two fatal shootings in 2023 and three people shot the year before, Melissa Berthier, the director of Marketing and Communications told WLRN. On the first, second and fifth weekends in March, the city will have a flat $30 parking rate for non-residents, the $532 towing fee in South Beach for nonresidents, and beach entrances will close at 6 p.m. All month, the Miami Beach Police Department will also implement a traffic plan to manage traffic beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. During the periods of March 13-16 and March 20-23, when the largest spring break crowds are likely to arrive, the city adds these measures: Parking garages will be limited for non-residents: Parking garages and surface lots south of 23 street will be closed $100 parking for non-residents: A flat fee will be charged for visitors at the Sunset Harbour Garage and the 42 Street garage Sidewalk seating on Ocean Drive will be closed on March 14-16 and March 21-23 Police will be scanning license plates and checking for stolen vehicles and serious and violent offenders There will be a DUI checkpoint March 14-15 and March 21-22 Businesses will be prohibited from renting or leasing golf carts, low-speed vehicles, autocycles (i.e. slingshots), motorized scooters, mopeds, motorcycles powered by motors of 50 cubic centimeters or less and motorized bicycles Ocean Drive will be limited to one entrance and one exit and will have security checkpoints to catch prohibited items. Entrances will close at 6 p.m. Towing for nonresidents will be $532 for vehicles towed in South Beach Packaged liquor stores will close at 8 p,m, in the Entertainment District There will be a curfew, although the time has not yet been provided. Last year it was midnight. The city also prohibits short-term rentals such as from Airbnb and VRBO that are booked for a time period less than six months and one day, with a $1,000 a day/violation fine to start and a $5,000 a day/violation fine fior repeat violations. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Beach's reality show warns spring breakers about curfews, rules
