Spring Breakers are coming to Fort Lauderdale, one of the national hotspots for the annual spring rituals where college students head to the bikini weathered coast in search of paradise.
And Fort Lauderdale is ready for them, city officials said Wednesday.
Unlike Miami Beach, where local leaders have revealed they have been “breaking up” for the second year in a row, Fort Lauderdale is accepting spring break crowds.
“We’ll open the door for everyone,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said Wednesday. “All tourists are welcome.”
The mayor told the South Florida Sun Sentinel he had not seen Fort Lauderdale ghost spring break.
“We did it once — in the 80s,” he said. “We changed the dynamic. It’s no longer free. The kids spent $100 a week staying in the hotel. They bundled four or five people in the room. They now have a much more upscale presence in Fort Lauderdale Beach. You can see another type of person who will come here for spring break.”
Some wonder if more parties will head to Fort Lauderdale as Miami Beach gives them a spring break and cold shoulders.
The mayor doesn’t think so.
“The typical people who go to Miami Beach don’t always come here,” he said. “I don’t know if there’s the same cool factor. When they closed their spring break last year, a lot of those people headed to Winwood, not Fort Lauderdale. They’re going to pull another crowd.”
Trantaris held a press conference at Las Olas Oceanside Park on Wednesday at Las Olas Oceanside Park near the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and A1A, with sand, sea and towering palm trees in the background.
“We welcome spring breakers this year,” Trantalis said. “Last year was a huge success. This is a great time for Fort Lauderdale to shine. It’s a safe place for kids to escape the 20-degree weather. Of course, there are some rules that you need to follow here.”
The mayor immediately listed the rules.
– Fort Lauderdale does not allow camping and sleeping overnight at the beach.
– You cannot drink alcohol on the sand unless you are a hotel guest who allows you to serve customers on the beach.
– The city does not allow tents, tables and coolers on the sand.
– Scooters are also prohibited along with live and amplified music.
Police Chief Bill Schultz shared tips on how spring breakers can stay safe during their visit.
“If you’re separated from the group you’re with while you’re in town, make sure to keep the address or name of the hotel you’re staying in, as if you’re always going to have it on your phone,” he said.
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If you’re taking Uber, share your trip with family and friends so you can track your trip in real time. Share driver names, photos, car manufacturing and model, license plates and locations. Riders should always check that information before entering the car.
Spring breakers should also monitor drinks, the chief said.
“Never leave it unattended,” he said. “Don’t accept drinks from strangers. Be careful about your surroundings. If you don’t feel comfortable, leave the situation. Charge your phone and keep it with you at all times.”
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Barwatch Program is useful if you feel you need it, the chief said.
“It’s a network of people, including bar staff and our executives, who knows how to identify potentially troublesome situations and deal with them quickly,” Schultz said. “Don’t always forget to travel with a group of friends. Don’t be isolated. And make sure you leave together at the end of the evening. Trust your instincts. If the situation doesn’t feel safe, it may not be.”
Watch out for pickpockets when you are in the crowd, the chief said.
“Close your wallet and wallet,” he said. “Never leave anything that isn’t lying in the bar. Zip your wallet pocket. And keep the straps short and stay close to your body at all times. Keep everything you can in your front pocket. When going out, take only a minimum of cash and a credit card.”
If you see anything suspicious, tell the officer.
“We’re doing our best,” the chief said. “You’ll see us everywhere.”
Schultz refused to say exactly how many officers go on patrols during spring break, but he shared that it’s three times the officers you normally see.
“Through spring break, police enforcement will be prominent,” Schultz said. “You’ll see it on the beach and in downtown our entertainment district.”
Fire Chief Steve Golan also shared advice on how to stay alive.
Some spring breakers may not be used to the heat, he pointed out.
“Please stay hydrated,” he said. “In this type of heat, alcohol consumption reaches individuals relatively quickly and knows that it’s a disaster recipe.”
Golan said spring breakers taking charter boats to the sandbar should listen to the boat captains to avoid diving accidents.
Do not dive in shallow water. Use your feet first to always enter the water.
I don’t swim alone. Don’t swim because of addiction. If you’re going out for the paddle, be sure to wear a life jacket.
Even if you are a strong swimmer, there may be RIP currents or other circumstances beyond your control.
If you get caught up in RIP current, swim parallel to the shore until the current runs out, then swim diagonally towards the shore.
Digging holes deeper than 12 inches is prohibited. The sand can easily collapse and lead to injuries.
Rehydrate and take a break from the sun and heat.
If you experience symptoms of fever stroke, such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, or convulsions, head to the Lifeguard Tower for medical care.
“Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches, hotels and everything we have to offer, but we want everyone to go back to their school, go back to their town and their parents,” Golan said. “Please follow the safety rules we have so that you can safely return home.”
