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Miami Beach Police Chief Richard Clements, Mayor Dan Gelber React Following Latest Rash Of Violence

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Miami Beach Police Chief Richard Clements says even with the pandemic, he expects a large crowd of spring breakers this weekend and is prepared to shut down the McArthur Causeway if gridlock occurs.

And the chief has new details about the latest homicide.

A visitor from New York, Zie Brown is horrified.

The body of a man was discovered at 9:20 p.m. Monday on a sidewalk outside her hotel at 24th street and pine tree drive. The victim had gunshot wounds.

"Oh my God. I had no idea. That is really troubling and really horrible," said Brown

Twenty-five minutes earlier, police responded to a 911 call about shots fired in this alleyway at 6th street and collins avenue.

"Last night in the hotel I did notice an intense rush of police flying down the street and headed over this way," said Tim Kowton, a tourist from Ohio.

Detectives did not locate a victim but did find shell casings and blood.

"We can confirm that both scenes are in fact and there was 1 shooting instead of 2 as we originally thought. The victim was 27-year-old Suwe Amado, a South Florida resident who lost his life as a result of this senseless violence. The investigation remains very active," said Clements.

Tim Kowton and Hailey Jones, tourists from Ohio and parents of 3 children, are concerned.

"It would be nice to see more police activity down here and know that tourists are safe," said Kowton.

"I feel exactly the same way children should be safe and there be more police activity to make sure tourists are safe coming here," Jones said.

But police say they have really stepped up presence and activity.

"Since February 3rd, Miami Beach police have made 894 arrests, 332 of them for felonies. 50% of the people live outside the state of Florida," said Clements. "78 firearms have been seized."

The latest violence prompted strong words from Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber during his state of the city address.

"The entertainment district is simply not working for us as it has become an anything goes type of place," said Gelber.

The mayor says the area should be revitalized as an art deco cultural district.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the police chief says coral gables police are going to be helping out and parking garages in the entertainment district will shut down by 8 p.m.

And as the search for the shooter in this latest case continues, the police chief asks for help from the public.

Anyone with information on Monday night's shooting is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).

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