A weekend night in Miami Beach took a troubling turn when a tourist, Michael Nixon, 42, from Virginia, was arrested after a racist outburst at a local bartender. The incident happened at Norman’s Tavern, a popular spot on 6770 Collins Avenue in North Beach.
According to police, Nixon ran up a $130.81 tab but refused to pay when the bartender approached him. His response quickly turned ugly. “I won’t pay anything,” Nixon reportedly said, followed by offensive language, including, “You speak English, mother—er. This is America.”
When Nixon first approached the bartender, he greeted him with “Hola.” But moments later, his tone changed. “English, b—,” he allegedly snapped, adding, “Trump is going to deport your a—.”
Nixon’s behavior didn’t stop there. Witnesses say he became more aggressive, directing his remarks at the bartender and another employee. At one point, he even tried to punch one of them. To avoid escalating the situation, the staff let him leave the bar. However, Nixon reportedly shoulder-checked the bartender on his way out, causing further tension.
What made the situation even more bizarre was Nixon’s decision to return to Norman’s Tavern while the police were already responding to the incident. Officers arrested him on the spot.
Court records show that Nixon is facing a felony charge of battery with prejudice, along with misdemeanors for criminal mischief, defrauding an innkeeper, and disorderly conduct. He is being held on a $5,450 bond as the case unfolds.
This troubling encounter highlights the importance of respect and civility, especially in a diverse community like Miami Beach, where people from all walks of life come together.
