A chaotic scene unfolded on Fort Lauderdale Beach as Spring Breakers gathered to watch a brutal “organized brawl for crypto,” with reports suggesting that spectators were placing bets using cryptocurrency. The fight, which was caught on video, showed two young men donning boxing gloves and exchanging frenzied blows, surrounded by a rowdy crowd of college students.
The video was recorded by Joshua Pettus, a Fort Lauderdale resident who was walking along the beach when he heard people discussing bets being placed in crypto.
“I started hearing somebody taking bets, and they were doing it with crypto,” Pettus told NBC 6 South Florida.
Curious about what was happening, Pettus pulled out his phone and followed the crowd, witnessing the moment the makeshift fight ring grew larger in anticipation of the showdown.
Fight Turns Brutal Before Police Intervene
As the fight escalated, one of the fighters was knocked to the ground, at which point Pettus claims he saw members of the crowd kicking him while he was down.
“You see all these feet kicking the guy that’s on the ground. It’s insane, it’s unsafe,” Pettus told CBS News Miami.
The scene turned dangerous, prompting Fort Lauderdale police officers on ATVs to intervene. Although authorities managed to disperse the crowd, Pettus noted that it took time before students finally backed off.
Police Deny Evidence of Crypto Betting
Despite multiple witness accounts, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department released a statement asserting that there was no confirmed evidence of betting linked to the brawl.
“Fort Lauderdale Police witnessed and broke up two incidents on the beach, and the crowd complied both times without further issues. There have been no reported or confirmed cases of betting,” the statement read.
Authorities also issued a stern warning, emphasizing that this type of behavior “will not be tolerated.”
Spring Break Safety Measures in Place Until April 12
Fort Lauderdale remains one of the most popular Spring Break destinations, drawing thousands of students each year. To maintain order, local officials have implemented strict safety measures until April 12, including:
- Prohibition of alcohol, coolers, tents, and live music in high-traffic beach areas.
- Increased police enforcement in entertainment districts from 10 PM to 4 AM.
Pettus, who has lived in Fort Lauderdale for nine years, said he appreciates the economic boost that Spring Breakers bring to local businesses but believes such violent incidents shouldn’t be tolerated.
“If they had somebody that was there legally refereeing this, it would be different. But you have families and kids out there too. It shouldn’t be happening,” Pettus said.
With authorities cracking down on disorderly conduct, Spring Break revelers are being urged to party responsibly—or risk facing swift intervention from law enforcement.