With college students on spring break starting to arrive in Key West, the Key West Police Department has announced its plans for dealing with the influx this year. A large police presence on the beaches and in the downtown bar area is intended to deter most illegal activities during Spring Break 2001. Duty schedules for Key West police officers have been adjusted to allow for extra officers directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, walking the beat, and patrolling on horses, bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles, especially at night.
Police officers on foot and on bicycles also will patrol the beach during the day, while the police boat will be stationed in near shore waters to handle any problems there. The department may close parts of Duval Street if crowding makes that necessary. City buses will be running a loop through motel areas from the party areas into early morning hours from March 10 through March 18, when the greatest number of student visitors is expected. Fire department inspectors will be watching for overcrowded restaurants and bars.
"We're hoping for the same spirit of cooperation from the students that we have had in past spring breaks," Chief Buz Dillon said. The department's spring break plan states as goals providing for a safe, peaceful, and lawful gathering, and addressing the concerns of citizens in the community and their rights in a professional and courteous manner.
Students are being put on alert that police will firmly enforce local laws addressing special problems that arise in a resort city: When riding bicycles, obey all traffic laws. Front and back lights are required when riding at night. Scooters, motorcycles and bicycles may not be parked on the sidewalk. The city has provided bicycle racks and designated free parking areas for these vehicles. Passengers may not ride on the back of any moped, scooter or motorcycle unless it is designed for passengers. The horn on a scooter is a safety-warning device. Persons using it otherwise will b cited.
Carrying open containers of alcoholic beverages on city streets, sidewalks and beaches is illegal. The purpose of extra sanitary facilities and trashcans is obvious. Police will cite persons for littering or relieving themselves in public.