Law enforcement islandwide will beef up patrols for Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Day, May 28-31, is the unofficial start to summer and, even in the land of “endless summer,” it is one of the busiest beach weekends.
With crowd surges of more than 45,000 expected from Bean Point in Anna Maria to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, the island’s law enforcement officers want to ensure people enjoy a safe weekend.
“People don’t realize you can only fit so many people on an island,” Bradenton Beach Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said May 11.
People “drive around and around looking for a parking space” but when still unable to legally park after several loops, they park wherever they can fit their vehicle, Diaz said.
To alleviate parking problems, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer May 10 suggested beachgoers carpool or use a ride-sharing service.
Also, those staying on the island should use transit options such as the Manatee County Area Transit-operated fare-free island trolley or the private service, Island Monkey Bus.
Tokajer also said visitors should not drive “as if you’re in a vacation mindset but pay attention to all signs and watch for pedestrians and crosswalks.”
And “saving parking spaces is never allowed,” Diaz cautioned. Public parking is first-come, first-serve and police will make people move when caught attempting to save parking spaces.
People staying on the island should grocery shop before the weekend to minimize the need to drive, Tokajer suggested.
Basic beach rules include:
- No pets;
- No fires;
- No grills, except in designated areas at public beaches;
- No glass bottles;
- No alcohol.
And when it comes to music, Tokajer said it should be for the listener’s enjoyment — not blasted.
Police want to “continue our efforts to keep a family-friendly atmosphere,” Tokajer said.
Too often, police see the combination of slow traffic, hard-to-find parking and large crowds, along with the heat, turn enjoyment into frustration, leading to outbursts or fights, especially when alcohol is involved.
“Come down on vacation, don’t go back on probation,” Diaz said.