Fort Lauderdale police and fire rescue officials announced a crackdown Tuesday on crime in the Himmarshee Entertainment District, the nightlife area just west of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Police Chief William Schultz said the department will significantly increase its law enforcement presence in the district. He said officers will focus on underage drinking and make sure bars are not serving alcohol to people under 21, warning that bartenders could face consequences if they do.
Officials said underage drinking, fights and violence occur often in the area. They pointed to a shooting there in December 2025 that left five people injured. Barricades have been placed on sidewalks to keep partygoers out of the street, officials said.
Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan said calls for service rose sharply between midnight and 4 a.m., most of them for people passed out from drinking. About 30% of those calls, or 2,720 in the area, involved people ages 18 to 24.
City officials said they began acting earlier this year by banning open containers and outdoor alcohol sales. Bars staying open until 4 a.m. remain a point of contention.
