Last year, the 305 saw its first Floatopia, an epic party on innertubes that overtook South Pointe Park with Solo cups, comaraderie, and dozens of inflatable devices. And lucky for those who didn't get to partake in last summer's shindig, it's back.
Scheduled for 4/20, the buoyant bash is hitting South Beach again, but organizers have learned a few things since last year. We spoke to the folks at Floatopia for some tips to help newbies and returning revelers navigate the waters.
See also:
- Floatopia: South Beach Innertube Ocean Party Rescheduled
Last year, the authorities got a little, uhhh, over-exuberant towards the beginning of the bash, lining up on the sands with four-wheelers, packing the water with Coast Guard boats, and generally anticipating the absolute worst.
Attendees behaved themselves, however, so eventually the authorities took it down a notch. Let's shoot for the same situation this year, shall we? Follow these tips to keep yourself (and Floatopia as a whole) out of trouble.
5. Keep booze in plastic cups and coolers with spouts.
While we all know alcohol is technically illegal on Miami Beach, the cops aren't generally obnoxious about it if you stick with plastic. Leave the cans and bottles at home to avoid citation issues. Trust us, we speak from experience.
4. Bring ropes and anchors.
Last year, there was a shortage of both, so the party began to float towards Fifth Street. Come prepared, and stay tightly tied to your newfound friends so you don't drift off into open seas.
3. If you want tunes, pack portable speakers.
Music is up to the individual floaters, so bring along a waterproof amplifier for your iPhone if you wanna cruise thematically to I'm On a Boat or Float On.
2. Arrive early for good parking.
There are plenty of municipal garages on the beach that run $1 an hour, so your awesome afternoon doesn't have to break the bank.
1. CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF.
This should be common sense, but in Miami, you can't rule anything out. Whatever you bring to the beach, take it home with you or leave it in a trash can, unless you wanna be the spoilsport who ruins the chances for future Floatopias. Don't be that douche.
And lastly, a message from the organizers:
Just like last time, please, please, please let's not give anyone any reason to stop our fun! Get crazy...within legal limits. Remember we are floatOPIA, as the Miami New Times pointed out, a type of utopia, an ideal community...of party people ... No drama, please. We are all one big, friendly, floating party family.Please PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF, let's be kind to this beautiful beach. Leave nothing but your float print. Some of us will be staying after the event to clean up the beach, please do your part.
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 at South Pointe Park. It's free and open to anyone -- just show up with your float (blown) up! You can check out the event details and RSVP on Facebook.
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