Florida Police Could Use A Break From Spring Break

CLEARWATER, FL —While beach businesses rejoice at the free-spending mobs descending on Florida towns for spring break, police officers are pulling double duty in an attempt subdue raucous crowds.

In addition to the usual hijinks that accompany spring break in Florida, police departments have the added challenge of ensuring that visitors and businesses adhere to coronavirus mandates.

On Saturday, two 18-year-old Brandon men were arrested on Clearwater Beach after being accused of assaulting a lifeguard.

According to Clearwater police, a lifeguard working on Clearwater Beach saw two underage girls who appeared to be “heavily intoxicated” and approached to ask if they needed assistance.

Police said beach goers Chase Moorer and Noah Dubose responded by pushing the lifeguard.

The arrest came days after Clearwater police broke up a crowd of unruly beach goers who were violating several city ordinances. A fight broke out and police arrested and handcuffed 18-year-old Dominic Glass of Land O' Lakes.

See Also: Miami Beach Curfew Aims To Shut Down Spring Break Partying

Police said Adam Asad, 18, of Oldsmar opened the back door of the police car and allowed Glass to escape. A video of Glass running away while the crowd cheered went viral.

According to police, Asad bragged he was going to be famous for his actions. He is now facing charges of aiding an escape and resisting arrest.

While he understands that young people are releasing a year's worth of pent-up energy while self-isolating during the pandemic, Clearwater Police Chief Dan Slaughter said he's disappointed to see the flippant attitude toward law enforcement exhibited

"There's nothing funny about breaking the law," he said

The spring break crowds became so rambunctious in Miami Beach, city leaders declared a state of emergency. There is now an 8 p.m. curfew in place through April 12.

For the most part, Clearwater police say the crowds have been respectful and have abided by the rules. As a reminder, Clearwater police have posted signs along the beach reiterating coronavirus protocols.

In addition to quelling beach crowds, police are contended with traffic jams and a surge in drunk driving arrests.

"This past Saturday was a nightmare," said resident Alice Backhaut told Patch. "This was the worst confusion of traffic that I have ever seen here."

In response, police have added additional units to control traffic.

See related story: Rowdy Beach Crowd Cheers On Handcuffed Teen Escaping From Police