Key Points:
- FLPD deployed additional units and activated its Quick Response Force
- Crowds gathered near A1A and East Las Olas Boulevard, causing temporary road closures
- One juvenile was arrested for attempting to steal a golf cart
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — A crowd of nearly 400 people, mostly juveniles, descended on Fort Lauderdale Beach Thursday night, prompting a rapid police deployment and the temporary closure of a busy section of A1A, officials said.
According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the gathering began forming around 6 p.m., with reports indicating the group may have been traveling from Pompano Beach toward Fort Lauderdale. Officers responded by activating their Quick Response Force and bolstering their presence along the barrier island, particularly near East Las Olas Boulevard.
Authorities said the crowd was concentrated along A1A near East Las Olas, with smaller groups scattered across the barrier island. Officers worked to manage and safely disperse the gathering, which resulted in no major incidents. Minor disturbances, including reported fights and trespassing, were addressed by the deployed units.
Traffic was briefly halted on A1A near East Las Olas Boulevard due to the size of the crowd, but reopened at approximately 11:30 p.m. The area was fully cleared and operations returned to normal around 12:30 a.m., police said.
Only one arrest was reported. A juvenile was taken into custody for allegedly attempting to steal a golf cart, which police classified as grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Police say they are continuing to monitor similar group gatherings in the area, though no additional disturbances were reported overnight.
Fort Lauderdale Beach briefly turned into a teen flashpoint before police regained control.