MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – Miami Beach will close and ban short-term rentals, which city leaders say is a major source of the COVID-19 spread, and will help curb crime and control large crowds.
Vacation rentals will be banned in town starting Thursday, according to an emergency order signed Tuesday.
“We have to reduce it,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “We will not allow alcohol, obviously, after 8 p.m. There is a massive increase in law enforcement now that might not have been a few days ago, so that is happening immediately.”
In a plan drawn up and submitted by City Manager Jimmy Morales, Miami Beach Police command staff will work the midnight shift every night. There will also be upgraded staff in the entertainment district “for this weekend.”
Personnel changes will take effect on Monday, 7News learned.
“We believe Airbnbs and short-term rentals are part of the problem,” said Gelber. “There are a lot of people who come to the party.”
Wild street parties, runaway crowds and multiple recent riots between Fifth and 15th streets during the pandemic prompted officials to push the emergency order.
Gelber said the changes are necessary because, he says, most visitors come to the city for culture, the beach, and art.
“Some get to behave in a way that they would not behave in their hometown, which is very unfortunate,” Gelber said.
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