This spring break, Miami Beach saw fewer arrests, emergency medical calls and noise complaints, according to city officials.

Why it matters: Apart from being welcome news to city leaders and residents, business owners who in the past criticized the city's spring break tactics are celebrating, too.

• This is the third year in a row that Miami Beach officials say they've contained spring break mayhem, after prior party periods have been marred by gun violence, stampedes and curfews.

Catch up quick: The city took a slightly less aggressive stance to spring break this year, hearing pleas from businesses to scale down some crowd-control measures and be more welcoming in its public messaging.

• Business leaders applauded the city's efforts during meetings this week asking for community feedback.

What they're saying: "We had our strongest month in the past four years that we've been running our business," Jessica Shults, a hospitality property operator in South Beach, said at a meeting Tuesday.

• Ceci Velasco, executive director of the Ocean Drive Association, said businesses on the tourist strip did "really well," a noted improvement from a few years ago when crowd stampedes forced some to close.
• "There's no going back, there's only going forward."

Yes, but: There were still some complaints, including about the city's increased towing rate and traffic control measures.

By the numbers: Police say arrests were down 16% citywide and 25% in the spring break zone.

• The fire department said total incidents in the South Beach entertainment district were down about 66%, while medical calls were down 68%.
• Code compliance said noise complaints were down 24% overall.

Between the lines: The city hosted several fitness-related events in March and released a promotional video encouraging health-centric tourism, a pivot from marketing campaigns of the past that tried to dissuade party-goers.

• "[The] city's strategic repositioning of Spring Break... contributed to a more controlled, predictable, and experience-driven environment," city manager Eric Carpenter wrote in a recent memo.

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Axios reporter Sami Sparber recently visited Miami Beach for a college friend's bachelorette party and she graciously accepted our request that she write about what she ate here.

Take it away, Sami

Myka: We waited about 45 minutes in line — embarrassing, I know — for Greek frozen yogurt starting at $7.90 for a kid-size swirl with one topping.

• In my defense, Austin (where I live) is lacking fancy froyo. And the Miami shop is Madrid-based Myka's first in the U.S.
• 6 word review: Light on toppings but refreshingly tart.

Motek: No lines here — we had a big oval table (ideal for getting to know your college friend's camp friends) and a set menu for our 15-person reservation.

• Standouts included the hummus and pita, cold roasted eggplant and chicken schnitzel.
• 6 word review: I want pita scissors at home!

Follow Sami's excellent real estate coverage here

An attorney says guards at the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center beat and pepper-sprayed her clients and other detainees after they complained about not having phone access earlier this month. (Associated Press)

• The Florida Department of Emergency Management didn't immediately respond to questions about the incident.

🤖 Waymo says its Miami service is now available to anyone who downloads the app after offering limited service in recent months.

• The autonomous rideshare company says it is "beginning to introduce highway travel to our Miami service," including I-95, 836 and 826

👀 The NBA is reviewing Hornets guard LaMelo Ball for injuring Heat star Bam Adebayo during Miami's Play-In loss Tuesday. (Chris Haynes on X)

It's the weekend! Time to party! Or at least get outside and enjoy what Miami has to offer.

• Reminder: It's the last weekend for the Miami Film Festival and the O, Miami Poetry Festival is still offering daily events around the city.

📼 Record Store Day is a celebration of independent record stores locally and around the world, and Miami's records stores on Saturday are joining in on the fun by offering exclusives and new releases.

• Technique Records: Early access slots, a sidewalk sale, DJs, food and a full bar. (8am)
• Sweat Records: This year will feature its biggest haul of exclusive releases ever, GORILLAZ concert ticket giveaway, DJ sets, food and drinks. (9am)
• Lucky Records: First come, first serve, a dollar bin, giveaways (100 tote bags!), Voodoo Doughnut, DJ sets and more. (8am)

🍻 Irie Jungle Festival 2026 is back at Tripping Animals Brewery, offering a curated multi-sensory beer tasting experience with more than 70 breweries from around the world, plus art, music and delicious food.

• Saturday, 1pm-5pm. Tickets: $70+.

💨 III Joints returns to Factory Town ahead of 4/20 with six stages, food, games and more.

• Saturday, 4pm. Tickets: $20+.

🌎 Earth Day Cleanup at Nobe Garden includes a neighborhood cleanup, crafts for kids and more. (Check the event details for supplies to bring!)

• Sunday, 10:30am-1:30pm. Free.

🛍️ The Flea at El Jardin features coffee, vintage offerings and local vendors.

• Sunday, 11am-4pm. Free.

Tell a friend

Manny Jr. has a need for speed and caffeine. Any idea where he went for his mid-day fix?

Hit reply or email your guess to [email protected]