Shooting erupts as spring breakers gather on South Beach; one dead and one injured

This is the third year a shooting occurred during spring break weekend

Thousands of spring breakers gather at Miami’s many beaches each year to celebrate, but sometimes, these festivities turn sour. One man was killed, and another was injured in a gunshot in South Beach, and authorities in Miami Beach are currently looking into the incident. At around 10:40 p.m. on Friday, at the intersection of 7th Street and Ocean Drive, officers arrived to find two male victims, both of whom had been shot.

The incident happened as massive groups flocked to South Beach to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and spring break. Keep reading to find out more details about the incident.

What happened that lead to a shooting in South Beach?

Two men were injured in a shooting around 10 p.m. near Ocean Drive. The shooting happened near Seventh Street and Ocean Drive. One of the two wounded individuals who were rushed to Ryder Trauma Center later passed away. The other individual, reported to be in serious condition Friday evening, was discharged from the hospital early Saturday, authorities said.

The Miami Beach Police Department reported that four firearms were located, and one individual was caught at the scene, though it remained unclear whether or not the man arrested was the shooter.

The curse of the third spring break weekend

The festivities on the third weekend of March, often the most eventful weekend of spring break, have turned sour for the third consecutive year. Miami Beach announced a curfew in 2022 after two separate shootings occurred on Ocean Drive. 

The city government thought that by implementing new programs and increasing police presence, violence, and criminal activity would decrease this year. Friday afternoon, police arranged a lookout tower near the intersection of Eighth Street and Ocean Drive. Spring breakers reported feeling comfortable and having a good time in the area before the tragic incident.

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