To help enforce newly instituted policies meant to prevent spring break violence, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that 45 Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers will be joining multiagency policing on Miami Beach.
DeSantis also revealed that 140 state troopers will be deployed across Florida to assist 17 different law enforcement agencies with anticipated spring break crowds.
During a press conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center, DeSantis emphasized the state’s readiness to support local communities in maintaining order during the spring break season. Troopers will be stationed in popular spring break destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach.
“We at the state level stand ready to help our local communities maintain order,” said DeSantis, highlighting the state’s willingness to provide additional law-and-order resources if necessary.
FHP will be involved in directing traffic, assisting with crowd control, conducting DUI checkpoints, flying drones and operating license plate readers for cars entering Miami Beach. Additionally, 24 “quick response troopers” will be on standby to respond to major incidents in Miami-Dade, Broward, Bay and Volusia counties.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner expressed gratitude for the state’s support, acknowledging the critical moment the city faces. He noted that the city requested resources beyond the initial offering from the state, which were fulfilled.
“Florida may be popular for spring break, but it is inhospitable to criminal activity,” DeSantis affirmed.
Earlier this year, at the governor’s direction, FHP sent a memo to law enforcement across the state offering assistance to local police jurisdictions. A total of 17 police agencies requested 140 state troopers be deployed to their cities to assist with spring break.