The article delves into the controversial rise of Joe Francis, the creator of 'Girls Gone Wild,' a video series featuring college girls exposing themselves for free merchandise. Despite legal challenges and ethical concerns, Francis built a lucrative business by tapping into the spring break culture and leveraging late-night TV commercials. His approach, often criticized for exploiting young women, has nonetheless made him a significant figure in direct marketing and media, with ambitions to expand his brand globally.
The TSA screened 2.79 million passengers on Thursday, marking its 10th-busiest day ever, and warned of crowded airports over the Easter weekend, attributing the surge in travel to Spring Break and the end of pandemic restrictions. With record numbers of Americans traveling, there has been a significant increase in cruise and international bookings, prompting the agency to work with airline and airport partners to manage wait times and accommodate the surge in travel volumes.
The Federal Aviation Administration warns of potential flight delays and disruptions during the upcoming Great North American Eclipse on April 8, as the event coincides with peak Spring Break travel days, leading to a significant increase in air traffic. With over 50,000 flights expected on Eclipse Day, the FAA advises pilots to prepare for potential delays and has issued special instructions to keep the skies safe. Additionally, the FAA offers tips for spring break travelers, including following crew instructions and removing prohibited hazardous materials from baggage.
The Federal Aviation Administration has warned of potential air travel delays and impacts on airports due to the total solar eclipse set to pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada from April 7 to April 10. With the eclipse overlapping with spring break travel, the FAA anticipates high volumes of aircraft and drones along the eclipse path, potentially causing limited parking and delays at airports. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses and prepare for possible delays, while pilots are being offered guidance to anticipate the increased air traffic.
Two cruises have been canceled during the busy spring break season following a fire on the Carnival Freedom, the second fire on the ship in less than two years. The fire broke out at the ship’s exhaust funnel while it was off Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, and while Carnival is investigating the cause, initial reports suggest a lightning strike. Passengers on the affected cruises will receive a full refund and a 100 percent future cruise credit, and the cruise line expressed regret for the impact on their vacation plans.
Orlando International Airport hit a new record of 102,064 departing passengers on March 16, as swarms of spring breakers flood Disney World, causing massive crowds and overwhelming the city. Many travelers are heading to Walt Disney World Resort, leading to long wait times for popular rides and overwhelming crowds throughout the parks. The airport has advised travelers to arrive three hours early and has prepared for the influx of passengers by scheduling more staff and moving some airlines to Terminal C to ease travel chaos.
Three American college students on spring break in Cancún, Mexico, were confronted at their beachfront hotel by armed individuals who robbed them at gunpoint, giving them three options: leave the country immediately, go to jail, or pay $300 each. The students handed over $900 and were allowed to go. Former FBI special agent Nicole Parker advised travelers to follow State Department travel advisories, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and research their destination's safety. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a warning about widespread violent crime in the country.
Three American college students on spring break in Cancún, Mexico were confronted at their beachfront hotel by armed individuals who robbed them at gunpoint, giving them three options: leave the country immediately, go to jail, or pay $300 each. The students handed over $900 and were allowed to return to their hotel room. A former FBI special agent advised travelers to Mexico to follow State Department travel advisories, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and research their accommodations, while also being aware of the potential risks and contacting the nearest U.S. consulate in case of emergencies. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a warning about widespread violent crime and other potential dangers in the country.
A police officer was shot in a Fort Lauderdale hotel during a surprise attack, with the suspect identified as a local resident who was found dead in the hotel room. The area was blocked off, and guests were evacuated as law enforcement responded to the incident. The shooting occurred amid a busier-than-usual spring break season in Fort Lauderdale, but it's unclear if there's any connection between the two.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody issues a warning for spring breakers about the dangers of illegal drug use, particularly the presence of deadly amounts of fentanyl in narcotics, as seven out of 10 fake pills containing fentanyl now have a lethal dose, marking a 75% increase in two years, and the DEA has seized over 41 million lethal fentanyl doses in 2024 so far.
Despite a crackdown on unruly behavior during Florida's spring break, police arrested hundreds of people in Miami Beach and nabbed a second gunman in New Smyrna Beach. Miami Beach made 256 spring break-related arrests, while Fort Lauderdale saw 13 arrests. Law enforcement officials, in collaboration with Gov. Ron DeSantis, prioritized maintaining law and order, resulting in a relatively calm spring break season so far. Despite isolated weapon scares and arrests, spring breakers continued to enjoy their weekend getaways in Fort Lauderdale, which has become the 2024 mecca for Florida spring break.
One person was killed and two others were wounded in a shooting at the Jacksonville Beach bar district during the start of the spring break season. The shooting occurred on St. Patrick’s Day, with multiple suspects still at large. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order, which was later lifted, and plans to hold a press conference for more information.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner reported that the city's spring break curfew has been a "huge success" for residents and businesses, with many businesses actually making more money this year than in past years. The measures, including a midnight curfew and increased security, have led to a calmer spring break with reduced violence and improved safety. Local residents and businesses have expressed satisfaction with the results, and law enforcement has seen a positive impact from the city's zero-tolerance policy.
With Miami Beach implementing new regulations and a curfew for spring breakers, many have headed north to Fort Lauderdale, where the party scene resembles the traditional Miami Beach spring break. However, Fort Lauderdale has also seen trouble, with at least ten spring break-related arrests, including disorderly conduct, drug-related offenses, and battery on an officer. The influx of visitors from out of town has brought a different vibe to Fort Lauderdale, which does not have a curfew like Miami Beach.
Spring breakers are heading to Fort Lauderdale after Miami Beach imposed restrictions to control large crowds. The influx of visitors has led to concerns about potential COVID-19 spread and increased law enforcement presence in Fort Lauderdale.
