The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) has a longstanding history of securing the Drum Circle event for over a decade with minimal issues reported throughout the years. Based on the Police Department's experience in managing this event, it is anticipated that extending beach hours until 11:00 PM on the evening of the Drum Circle event (when such activities occur on weekends) would not significantly impact the Department's operational capabilities nor compromise public safety.
Additionally, it is important to note that MBPD currently staffs the Drum Circle event on an overtime basis, not only on the day of the full moon but also on the preceding day as well. Extending beach hours until 11:00 PM would influence the Department's operational timetable on weekend evenings, particularly Fridays and Saturdays. Considering that this change would only apply to 4 out of the 18 remaining event dates (April – December 2024) for the remainder of the calendar year, the time extension represents a minimal adjustment and limited impact on Department resources. The approximate fiscal impact is anticipated to be an additional $1,640 per occurrence.
The proposed extension is primarily a policy decision aimed at accommodating the needs of the community and enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the city. The associated increase in staffing costs would be minimal, considering the manageable nature of the event and the Department's existing operational infrastructure.