thePANTHER MARCH COLUMN of

Daniel Perodin | Staff Writer

Dear Spring Breakers, Please Go Home

Annually, around mid-March, Miami citizens face an influx of of thousands of spring breakers, who pour in looking for a “tropical escape.” To many out-of-towners, our city seems like the perfect getaway from the harsh winter-spring transition occurring in the northern states. However, they fail to recognize the challenges that their presence brings locals.

To many, spring break serves as a time to let loose and relax; for Miamians, spring breakers make relaxation an impossibility. We cannot enjoy our own beaches because they are overrun by tomato-colored, sunburnt families who invade not only our roads and oceans, but our grocery stores, restaurants, shops and more. Despite setting numerous guidelines to prevent misbehavior and conflict, for that one week, spring breakers use Miami as their own personal playground.

Coming from a native Miamian who has spent several spring breaks at home, I am tired of seeing out-of-state license plates on our traffic-filled roads. I am tired of fighting for parking everywhere I go. I am tired of prices rising for locals every time out-of-towners pour in. I am tired of having to share my vacation with thousands of intruders in my city. Dear spring breakers, please, I beg you, go home.

Jasmine Judge Business Manager j.judge.thepanther@gmail.com