It looks as though Ultra Music Festival will get to remain in Miami – for now. As the local NBC outlet reports, a decision on the fate of the event — commissioners were expected to discuss a resolution barring Ultra from being held at Miami’s Bayfront Park — will not be made this week as planned.
The new resolution, drafted by Mayor Tomas Regalado and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, who recently released a video compilation of some of the worst behaviour of Ultra punters, has been withdrawn. A discussion on the matter will now proceed during a 24th April commission meeting.
In addition to the antisocial behaviour depicted in Cmmr Sarnoff’s video — gatecrashing, fights, struggles with police — the most recent Ultra festival saw security guard Erica Mack left in an “extremely critical” condition after swarms of gatecrashers stormed an under-barricaded area.
Tragedy also struck when 21-year-old Ultra punter Adonis Escoto was found dead in his car by his friends after complaining of illness during the event’s Saturday leg. Mr Escoto’s family insisted that he did not use drugs and suspect that some were slipped into his drink without his knowledge.
Ultra organisers have now hired lobbyists to help them plead their case before city officials, insisting that the event is a boon to Miami’s culture and economy. Organisers have hailed the recent postponement of the decision as to the event’s fate as a “short-term victory” in a statement.
“Organisers remain thankful for the infinite support of their patrons and partners in Miami and across the world. Ultra remains committed to working actively with the City of Miami, its Police, Fire and Risk Departments… to continually make the event safe, secure and successful,” they wrote.
