The music was ear-splitting, the crowd partying hard, a typical Saturday night in raucous downtown Delray Beach. Thirty people waited in line to get into Johnnie Brown’s, a lively restaurant and bar by the railroad tracks. The sidewalk out front was dense with revelers listening to the live band playing right on buzzing Atlantic Avenue.
The restaurant was at capacity: 165 people. That meant no one could enter until someone else left. Firefighter Eddie Muniz, stationed at the entrance, strained to count the crowd, as did Johnnie Brown’s security staff. Delray Beach police officers monitored the sidewalks to make sure the street revelers maintained a clear path, an almost impossible task amid the multitudes swarming the avenue.
Last weekend was the third spent by Delray Beach firefighters working overtime to monitor crowds at seven downtown bars and restaurants known for allowing large throngs to gather within their premises and sometimes spill on to the streets. Eighteen firefighters were on extra duty Saturday night, with two or three assigned to each venue to count patrons; the city requires the restaurants to pay the overtime, Battalion Chief Kevin Saxton said.
Downtown Delray Beach has become a destination for boisterous nightlife, fueled by bustling restaurants, lively bars and rollicking parties. But city officials say the festive scene is creating safety hazards. The City Commission asked police and firefighters to monitor the crowds closely until the restaurants consistently follow safety laws.
Some patrons objected to the heavy law enforcement presence.
“People are just drinking and having a good time,” said Hillary Walsh, of Jupiter, who was listening to the band from the Johnnie Brown’s sidewalk. “I think there are more serious crimes [police] could be spending their time on.”
Jeff Gulotta, of Delray Beach, sitting at a table inside, agreed.
“I hope they don’t stifle it or shut it down in any way,” he said. “It’s a very happening area, and we want to keep it that way.”
Over the past 20 years, Atlantic Avenue east of Swinton Avenue has grown from a sleepy retail center into a lively mecca for foodies, people-watchers and partiers. There are also parades, street festivals, art fairs and outdoor dining events.