First, I must mention that I do observe the moment of silence at 3:00pm on Memorial Day for those who have given their lives in the service of our country and do know the meaning of holiday.
Memorial Day Weekend had changed greatly in the last few years. This is especially true on South Beach. I think the shift has been due to the growing lack of respect that visitors have for the people, businesses and the city during this time.
I was born and raised in this city. I recall having great times with friends and family enjoying the beaches, clubs, restaurants and the atmosphere of the "ongoing party" that is South Beach. This is no longer true for most of the natives or residents during this end of the summer weekend. It has been replaced by an inundation of vacationers that find it fun and amusing to insult the locals, be rude to employees of local establishments, play the loudest music possible at all hours and litter the streets/beaches with trash (including bottles, cans, paper, condoms, etc). There have been weapons drawn and street fights. This is not acceptable behavior!
Some businesses have opted to close (as vacation time) or limit their services due to the drop in revenue that occurs Memorial Day Weekend. How can the city greet 300,000 people and lose money?
The City uses it's police resources (along with that of some of the other local authorities) to enforce local laws and ordinances during this weekend. The ACLU is present to observe because of the large amounts of arrests that typically occur (especially of people of color). There were1,010 arrests in 2006 with 145 of them being felonies and 865 being misdemeanors. The typical amount of arrests (on a normal weekend) is 150 total.
I do not consider the arrests racial profiling. Most are for DUI, open containers and loud music (considered "quality of life" violations). I guess young people have not been taught how to visit and be festive without being abusive. I know when South Beach is shown on television and movies it is portrayed with glamour, inclusiveness, and controlled indecency. Some of these visitors have not learned how to do this.
I have not hit on the "urban" or "hip-hop". Yes, there is a greater number of visitors of color this weekend. There is live music at Bicentennial Park and parties around the town featuring Hip-Hop/Rap music. The trend, when it began, was Reggae and Caribbean music. Maybe it is just the younger age of the participants, but respect is not limited by race, culture, beliefs, lifestyle or age. Friends (of color) that used to visit this weekend and now opt to go somewhere else have told me the weekend is for "kids" and there is no room for "mature" people. The streets are blocked, the traffic and parking becomes a problem, and then they are treated badly by other party goers. It's not worth the hassle for them.
Well, as for me, I plan to spend time with Mr. S this weekend. Ms. Vickie and a friend of hers from New Jersey might be down on Sunday and we will meet up at the Palace. My sis is escaping the city and going to Texas. We decent people will keep our heads and cocktails high and welcome all visitors.
I will end with a quote from "The" Mrs Astor about the treatment of locals by visitors on Memorial Day Weekend: "...the mob is the mob and have no respect for decent people acting indecently. Alas."
EVERYONE HAVE A FUN AND SAFE WEEKEND!!!!
Memorial Day Weekend had changed greatly in the last few years. This is especially true on South Beach. I think the shift has been due to the growing lack of respect that visitors have for the people, businesses and the city during this time.
I was born and raised in this city. I recall having great times with friends and family enjoying the beaches, clubs, restaurants and the atmosphere of the "ongoing party" that is South Beach. This is no longer true for most of the natives or residents during this end of the summer weekend. It has been replaced by an inundation of vacationers that find it fun and amusing to insult the locals, be rude to employees of local establishments, play the loudest music possible at all hours and litter the streets/beaches with trash (including bottles, cans, paper, condoms, etc). There have been weapons drawn and street fights. This is not acceptable behavior!
Some businesses have opted to close (as vacation time) or limit their services due to the drop in revenue that occurs Memorial Day Weekend. How can the city greet 300,000 people and lose money?
The City uses it's police resources (along with that of some of the other local authorities) to enforce local laws and ordinances during this weekend. The ACLU is present to observe because of the large amounts of arrests that typically occur (especially of people of color). There were1,010 arrests in 2006 with 145 of them being felonies and 865 being misdemeanors. The typical amount of arrests (on a normal weekend) is 150 total.
I do not consider the arrests racial profiling. Most are for DUI, open containers and loud music (considered "quality of life" violations). I guess young people have not been taught how to visit and be festive without being abusive. I know when South Beach is shown on television and movies it is portrayed with glamour, inclusiveness, and controlled indecency. Some of these visitors have not learned how to do this.
I have not hit on the "urban" or "hip-hop". Yes, there is a greater number of visitors of color this weekend. There is live music at Bicentennial Park and parties around the town featuring Hip-Hop/Rap music. The trend, when it began, was Reggae and Caribbean music. Maybe it is just the younger age of the participants, but respect is not limited by race, culture, beliefs, lifestyle or age. Friends (of color) that used to visit this weekend and now opt to go somewhere else have told me the weekend is for "kids" and there is no room for "mature" people. The streets are blocked, the traffic and parking becomes a problem, and then they are treated badly by other party goers. It's not worth the hassle for them.
Well, as for me, I plan to spend time with Mr. S this weekend. Ms. Vickie and a friend of hers from New Jersey might be down on Sunday and we will meet up at the Palace. My sis is escaping the city and going to Texas. We decent people will keep our heads and cocktails high and welcome all visitors.
I will end with a quote from "The" Mrs Astor about the treatment of locals by visitors on Memorial Day Weekend: "...the mob is the mob and have no respect for decent people acting indecently. Alas."
EVERYONE HAVE A FUN AND SAFE WEEKEND!!!!
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