Law Enforcement Cracking Down During Ultra, Spring Break Weekend
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Law enforcement will be out in full force this weekend - just in time for Ultra Music Festival in Bayfront Park.
And that's not the only thing they'll have their eyes on. Spring breakers are also hitting South Florida - a combination that has police cracking down.
Festival-goers were all ready to party.
"Play, music, fun, craziness," said Liberty Bridgeman who will be attending Ultra.
Ultra Music Festival Management, City of Miami Police and Fire officials were in downtown Miami on Thursday setting up for the start of the festival on Friday.
But the preps are shadowed by past transgressions at the festival which almost got them kicked out.
Back in 2014, the music fest had been drenched in drug overdoses, violence and fence-jumpers. Among them a security guard who was trampled by party crashers.
But the Ultra promoters began singing a different tune, tightening security, hiring top brass and medics and reinforcing the perimeter.
Last year, there were some issues, a few dozen arrests, some drug overdoses but no mayhem. The hope is for the same thing this weekend.
"We've spent over a million dollars with the City of Miami police, fire medics, sanitation to make it a safe and fun event for everybody who is attending," said Ultra Fest spokesperson Brian May.
Amid a heavy police presence, traffic in the area will also be affected. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes or avoid the area if possible.
That's not the only thing going on - nearby revelers are hitting South Beach for Spring Break.
The city's police department came up with new measures that will be implemented for "High Impact Weekends" after large crowds took over parts of Ocean Drive last weekend.
These measures will be in place this weekend starting on Thursday.
In an effort not to have a repeat of that situation, police plan to increase staffing over the weekend in the area from 7th to 11th Street on Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic between 7 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., from 7th to 11th Street
Police plan to clear large crowds from the beaches before sunset to protect all visitors and check points will be set up to prevent alcohol, styrofoam cups & coolers and glass on the beach
The police department also plans to use Automatic License Plate Readers throughout the area.
According to a release from the police, they plan to remain flexible and may impose additional security measures as needed, including early closings of sidewalk cafes and package liquor stores, closing of additional portions of Ocean Drive and of other streets.
