Keeping a vigilant eye on unlawful events

Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miami-Dade Police Department’s (MDPD) Intracoastal District has seen an increase in event organizers utilizing residential homes to host commercial-style parties. Short-term vacation rentals have been used by event organizers to host unlawful gatherings. These events attract large crowds which can result in excess trash being discarded in the residential area, residents being unable to access their homes due to vehicles blocking their driveways, noise complaints, narcotics complaints and gun violence.

The Intracoastal District hosted several community meetings with area residents to address their growing concerns over these commercial-style parties. A method of operation was developed to address this growing trend. The Neighborhood Resource Unit (NRU) Commander was tasked with coordinating the district’s enforcement measures. Roll-Call training was provided to all uniform personnel in the way they were to address these unlawful short-term vacation rentals. Additionally, uniform personnel were instructed to send all related reports to the NRU commander. Those reports were consolidated and sent to Miami-Dade County’s Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) for follow-up and the issuance of civil penalties to the property owners, if appropriate. Additionally, the NRU monitored social media platforms for flyers advertising commercial-style parties within the district. Residents were also encouraged to contact the district should they receive information of any large-style commercial parties.

On Thursday, May 12, Lieutenant Evans Gabriel received information from area residents about a flyer on social media advertising a commercial-style party that was to take place Friday, May 13. Lieutenant Gabriel immediately contacted members of RER to assist in the issuance of a Cease-and-Desist Order from Miami-Dade County to the property owner. The homeowner was informed that the scheduled event was unlawful under Miami-Dade County Code.

On Friday, May 13, NRU employed strategic enforcement measures which prevented the scheduled event from taking place. Realizing they could no longer host their commercial-style party within the district, the event organizer moved the party to another venue in Broward County. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of the change in venue.

Through collaborative efforts with MDPD, RER and area residents, a proactive approach helped to prevent these unlawful gatherings from taking place. One of the area’s residents commended Lt. Gabriel and his team for their efforts.