Miami Beach City Manager Expands Measures to Curtail Large Crowds along Ocean Drive

(Miami Beach, FL) Mar 14, 2020 -

In an ongoing effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and minimize large group gatherings, the City of Miami Beach is immediately implementing expanded measures along Ocean Drive.

While this iconic street was closed to vehicles since Thursday, effective immediately, the city will be reopening Ocean Drive to northbound and southbound vehicle traffic and will eliminate parking on the east side of the street. They will also be closing the beach from 7 to 10 streets starting at 4:30 p.m. To enforce this, Miami Beach Police will begin clearing the beach from 7 to 10 streets at 5 p.m.

“Miami Beach is a popular vacation spot for spring breakers, yet with school closings and expanded spring breaks, the influx of visitors is extremely high,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. It would be irresponsible for us not to limit crowd sizes in these public areas. Not only for our residents and visitors, but for the health and safety of our first responders. We cannot continue to put them at risk by asking them to expose themselves to the possibility of contracting this virus.”

The Police will be stopping any large groups of people in Lummus Park starting at 5 p.m. “The warnings from the health professionals have been clear regarding large crowds and the increased risk of spreading COVID-19,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian. “Continuing to allow these large group gatherings on the beach is a public health hazard – these measures are vital.”