On Saturday afternoon, the City of Miami Beach declared an emergency 8pm curfew in parts of South Beach and a 9pm closure of eastbound causeways to traffic entering the vicinity. The sudden orders come as a response to the violent spring break crowds that have overtaken the city’s entertainment district, damaging public property and wreaking havoc on the neighborhood.
While the emergency orders are set to expire on Tuesday, March 23, City Manager Raul Aguila, who declared the state of emergency, told the Miami Herald that he recommends keeping them in place through April 12, or the end of spring break. The exact date will be determined at some point today.**
So what does this mean for spring breakers and vacationers in South Beach? Ocean Drive, Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue and Española Way—from 5th Street to 16th Street—will close at 8pm nightly until further notice. Plus, the MacArthur, Julia Tuttle and Venetian Causeways will close to traffic entering Miami Beach from 9pm to 6am.
Folks looking for something to do in Miami Beach will need to head north of 16th Street, where business will go on as usual. Lincoln Road and adjacent neighborhood Sunset Harbour will remain open tonight, as will Time Out Market Miami (shameless plug) and the throngs of restaurants and bars in Mid Beach and beyond. We’re sad to see what’s happening to our beloved South Beach and hope the area’s small businesses and independently owned places continue to thrive under these difficult circumstances. With that, support if you can.
We’ll continue to update this story as news of closures and curfews is announced, and hope everyone stays safe.
**Update: The emergency order has been extended through April 12, reports the Miami Herald.
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