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| AP |
The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, announced this Tuesday the deployment of more state troopers during the university holidays of "spring break" in March to end "the chaos, anarchy" and even the shootings with deaths that have been recorded in recent years, especially in Miami Beach.
"I am ordering law enforcement agencies to provide additional personnel and assets to ensure peace during spring break," DeSantis said at a press conference in Miami Beach.
The measure adds to a drastic package of restrictions approved by Miami Beach to control conflicts, such as curfews, security checks, bag control for beach access, alcohol checkpoints, and early beach entry closures.
This city, a top tourist destination for its bustling nightlife and beaches, is one of the areas where surveillance, control, and restrictions will be reinforced to prevent acts of violence, excesses, and street fights in recent years.
The Republican announced that they will send a rapid response team composed of 60 state agents and 20 additional personnel to South Florida, and more police resources to critical points during "spring break" such as Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach.
"We do not welcome chaos. We are going to make people respect the law," said DeSantis, who referred to the rule of law and order and assured that this year he will not wait until a state of emergency is declared to take tough measures.
During the "spring break" of 2023, two deaths by shooting were recorded in Miami Beach, hundreds of arrests, and the seizure of more than a hundred weapons by the police.
A chaotic and violent succession of altercations that forced the authorities to declare a state of emergency and a curfew, after the shooting with deaths occurred on the iconic Ocean Drive street, on the beachfront.
So far, the governor's office noted in a statement, a total of 17 police agencies have requested the deployment of 140 law enforcement officers in their jurisdictions "to assist during spring break."
The Highway Patrol (FHP), for its part, will also activate the dispatch of 24 agents from the rapid response team in the counties of Bay, Volusia, Broward, and Dade, "for an immediate response to incidents that require additional police personnel."