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Civil rights activists say large Black crowds prompted spring break restrictions in Miami

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MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Miami Beach is attempting to scrap spring break, however it’s not yet clear whether spring break will adopt the suggestion.

After three consecutive years of spring break violence, Miami Beach officials are implementing months-long safety measures to curb the chaos, including parking restrictions for non-residents and shutting sidewalk cafes on busy weekends. The city warned visitors to expect curfews, beach bag searches, early beach closures, DUI checkpoints and arrests for drug possession and violence.

But business owners in the world-famous South Beach neighborhood now fear losing money during one among the busiest times of the 12 months, and civil rights activists say the restrictions are an overreaction to large Black crowds.

City of Miami Beach police and law enforcement officers patrol Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach officials have announced a series of measures to discourage nonresidents from coming there in March, and civil rights activists say the restrictions are an overreaction to large crowds of Black people. (Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP, file)

Many of the town’s restrictions are usually not recent, but in past years they were introduced as emergency measures during an unofficial holiday, somewhat than measures implemented in advance.

“The status quo and what we have seen over the last few years is simply unacceptable and intolerable,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

Meiner said despite the police presence, the group couldn’t be controlled. He said the town, which is positioned on a barrier island across the bay from Miami, can only hold so many individuals, and that capability often exceeds safety for each visitors and residents through the break.

Most spring break attractions focus on a 10-block stretch of Ocean Drive, known for its art deco hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.

David Wallack, owner of Mango’s Tropical Cafe, said Miami Beach has all the time thrived on celebration, and the limited access for tourists will turn the bustling, eclectic city right into a retirement community.

“I think we need to create something big, another big thing in March, because March fell off the cliff,” Wallack said.

Wallack and others have proposed holding a large music festival through the third week of spring break – when aimless and unruly crowds often reach their peak – with the hope that participants will disperse the loitering crowd.

Meiner said the town has spent tens of millions of dollars on concert events and other events in the past, which has done little to alleviate violence. He said businesses suffer when violent mobs gather along Ocean Drive force them to shut, and added that the people who find themselves the fundamental causes of the issues don’t spend money in the town anyway.

“They don’t stay in hotels,” Meiner said. “They don’t visit our businesses.”

Some civil rights activists, nonetheless, consider the restrictions are racially motivated.

South Beach became popular with black tourists about twenty years ago when organizers held Urban Beach Week over Memorial Day weekend. Many residents complained of violence and other crimes related to the event, which led to an increased police presence. However, the event’s continued popularity correlates with a rise in black tourism all year long.

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Stephen Hunter Johnson, an attorney and member of Miami-Dade’s Black Advisory Council, said city officials are reacting so harshly because most of the visitors are black.

“Everyone likes the idea that they are free from government interference,” Johnson said. “But surprisingly, if the government interferes with black people, everyone is OK with it.”

The mayor of Miami Beach rejects the notion that the town’s actions have anything to do with race.

“I have a moral obligation to keep people safe, and right now it’s not safe,” Meiner said.

In the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach, a longtime spring break destination, has seen an identical spike in violent crime, but Police Chief Eusebio Talamantez attributes it to people having fun with the outside, not actual college students on spring break.

“When you think about spring break, you might think about vacation, school break, maybe fistfights and keg stands,” Talamantez said. “It evolved into shootings, mass riots, rapes and murders.”

Violence in Panama City Beach got here to a head in 2015 when seven people were injured in a shooting at a house party. The city then banned alcohol consumption on the beach and suppressed prohibited events, amongst other things. Local businesses sued the town later that 12 months, claiming the brand new rules unfairly targeted events popular with black visitors, however the suit was dropped a number of months later.

Talamantez said the measures were somewhat effective, but a significant hurricane in late 2018 and COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 disrupted the town’s ability to administer crowds after pandemic restrictions were lifted, resulting in a resurgence violence.

However, renewed crackdowns in 2023 led to a 44% reduction in crime, and the town is introducing similar policies this 12 months. Talamantez said he doubts anything Miami Beach does will likely be more stringent than enforcement measures in Panama City Beach.

“We are simply trying to create an environment where it is said loud and clear, in big, bold letters, that we are a law and order municipality,” Talamantez said. “And law and order doesn’t disappear just because you’re on spring break.”


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Why a fall beach trip was just the reset I needed

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The beach is my comfortable place. Something about the smell of the salty water floating in the breeze, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and the warmth of the sun on my skin just melts my stress away. And searching at the vast horizon stops me from every part else occurring in the world, giving me time to reflect and shift my perspective that offers me clarity and focus.

Since I live in New York, the end of summer normally means the end of the beach – at the very least until mid-winter, when I’ll inevitably hop on a plane to a sandy tropical destination with the remainder of the sun-seekers . But this 12 months I decided to try something different: a fall beach trip.

I took advantage of the warmer than usual weather in the Northeast and planned a weekend trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey for one last likelihood to be a beach bum, courtesy of Ocean casino resort.

Here are three the explanation why fall is the perfect time to go to the beach:

1. To stave off the seasonal blues

As soon as Labor Day weekend involves an end, I begin to dread the impending reality of sunsets getting earlier and earlier. That first day while you leave the office and it’s already dark outside is at all times a shock for me. And for people affected by seasonal affective disorder, the change of seasons is even tougher.

A trip to the beach is the antidote to shorter, gray days. You could also be wrapped in a sweater as a substitute of wearing a bikini, but the extra vitamin D is real. Even when I stayed in the room, not only did I have amazing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but I had hours of fantastic sunlight.

Planning a time change escape is one other smart travel move since it gives you something to sit up for quite than “rolling back.” In addition to the casino, Ocean Resort after all offers a variety of bars and restaurants, HQ2 nightclub, Topgolf Swing Suite and the best live entertainment venue, Ovation Hall, which hosted Lenny Kravitz the weekend I was there. How are you able to be indignant while you spend the last hours of summer singing together with Lenny?

2. To prepare for a productive fourth quarter

Have you heard of the “winter bow”? The TikTok trend could also be recent, but the idea behind it shouldn’t be. It’s a strategy to commit to self-improvement during the colder months by specializing in recent, healthier activities. It’s also a strategy to kickstart your “new year, new you” resolutions because, despite the frosty name, it normally starts in October. A fall trip to the beach may be the perfect begin to your winter fun, because it’s the perfect place to read, journal, and meditate. If physical well-being is a priority for you, you’ll be able to visit the recently renovated MUSSELS fitness center at Ocean, with a yoga area and Peloton offerings.

Even should you don’t intentionally work in your winter glow, research has shown a link between travel and mindfulness, creativity and private growth. Fall has traditionally been a time of reflection, change and rediscovery, so it’s the perfect time to flee.

Increasing your activity can enable you to achieve your Q4 goals upon your return.

3. To enjoy the peace before the summer storm

Before you recognize it, your calendar – and to-do list – will probably be stuffed with holiday shopping, travel, hosting and parties. It could also be the most wonderful time of the 12 months, however it’s probably the most hectic. Spending time with just myself and the ocean helped me feel able to face the difficult months ahead. And while dipping your toes in the icy waters of the Atlantic wasn’t an option, if water is what you discover soothing, Ocean Casino Resort has a year-round indoor/outdoor pool overlooking the coast, and a whirlpool and jacuzzi at the award-winning Exhale Spa + Bathhouse.

On the other hand, should you began watching Christmas movies in July and may’t wait for the season to begin, the end of fall is a great time to experience the magical touches that many hotels offer. Ocean Casino Resort transforms into a seaside winter wonderland with 30 holiday-themed rooms and suites, complete with Christmas trees; festive Jingle Bell Bar and pop-up Christmas marketplace for adults; and an adventure at Santa’s Hideout if you desire to make your trip to the beach a family affair.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy amid surge in holiday travel

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Spirit Airlines, Spirit Airlines bankruptcy, Is Spirit Airlines in trouble financially?, What is going on with Spirit Airlines?, Is Spirit Airlines struggling? theGrio.com

Spirit Airlines, recognized for influencing cost-effective travel and reworking the market, has filed for bankruptcy protection amid consecutive years of losses, a failed merger, growing competition and changing customer demands.

This week, the airline announced that an “orderly” petition has been filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York as a part of a “restructuring support agreement” as a part of the statement. Spirit says that while the corporate is working to restructure its debt, it should proceed operations through the holiday season and into 2025.

“Spirit expects to continue its operations in the normal course throughout the planned and streamlined Chapter 11 (bankruptcy) process,” the airline said in an announcement. “Guests can continue to book and fly without interruption and use all tickets, points and loyalty points as normal.”

Additionally, the brand new filing won’t impact worker salaries and advantages.

While this term may sound scary, Spirit isn’t the one US airline to declare bankruptcy. Major competitors corresponding to American Airlines, United and Delta Airlines have filed for bankruptcy over the past 25 years. Just as other carriers have emerged stronger since filing for bankruptcy, Spirit President and CEO Ted Christie hopes to do the identical. The airline’s CEO asserts that restocking the airline and negotiating with creditors will allow Spirit to enter the brand new yr with less debt and greater financial flexibility, which can position “Spirit for long-term success and accelerate investment, providing guests with a better travel experience and greater value.” .

In open letter to Spirit gueststhe corporate assured travelers of what was to come back.

“We’re still flying, so no need for FOMO! You can continue to rely on Spirit for great quality and excellent service,” the airline wrote on Xwith a link to the open letter that read: “The most important thing to know is that you (customers) can continue to book and fly now and in the future. We also want to assure you that you can use all tickets, credits and loyalty points as normal. You can continue to take advantage of our Free Spirit loyalty program, Saver$ Club bonuses and credit card terms and conditions. Our amazing team members are here to offer you excellent service and an exceptional experience. We expect to complete this process in the first quarter of 2025 and be even better positioned to deliver the best value in the sky.”

Uber helps passengers 'Go Anywhere' - even on safari in South Africa

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Green Book Global launches road trip planner to provide inclusive options for Black travelers

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car, Greenbook Global

Building on the success of the primary and only Black travel booking and review platform, Green Book Global is expanding its services with the brand new Road Trip Planner app feature.

WITH Global Green Paper already recognized as a contemporary interactive guide for black travelers, the corporate has now added a feature to help plan safer and more enjoyable trips across the US. Launched on a redesigned mobile app (available on iOS and Android) and accessible via an internet app, this recent Road Trip Planner tool is powered by community insights and data.

“Our mission has always been to provide Black travelers with information that fosters a safer and more inclusive travel environment,” Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global, he said . “With Road Trip Planner, we turn our community’s collective experience into a robust tool that maps the most effective routes and areas to avoid based on historical and up to date data.

“It’s greater than only a planning tool. This is a brand new level of safety for our community,” he added.

Named after , which provided travel suggestions for African Americans traveling in Jim Crow America from 1936 to 1966, Green Book Global is a contemporary app and interactive guide designed to help Black travelers within the twenty first century. Using hundreds of reviews generated by Black users, the app will help users plan safer trips by identifying optimal routes and avoiding areas known to be inhospitable or potentially dangerous.

“Our goal is to provide information so that Black travelers can make a very personal decision about where they want to go,” Phillips said.

According to Green Book Global, the friendliest U.S. destinations for black travelers include Atlanta, Houston, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte and Chicago. The platform also offers a world destination search tool, with recommendations for various destinations similar to Kenya, Slovenia and Argentina.

Phillips points out that the brand new Planner tool allows drivers to select the “Avoid City” option to avoid cities at sunset and robotically re-route them.

“Our community rates cities on a five-star scale for traveling as a black person, and cities receive an overall rating,” he explains. “Green means the safest and friendliest destination, yellow means average and red means needs improvement. The color red signifies a city where black travelers generally didn’t feel protected or welcome, and should even signify a former sunset city.

The study also revealed some unexpected findings about cities which may be predominantly white but have small but powerful black populations.

“Portland, Maine was a big surprise,” Phillips says. “Although Maine is one of the whitest states in America, with a Black population of almost 2%, the city of Portland is almost 10% Black. It was amazing. Delicious food, lots of attractions and a nice atmosphere.”


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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