South Beach puts special measures in place to deal with major crowds this weekend
South Beach will be under temporary restrictions for Memorial Day weekend that will limit how people party, what motorized vehicles they may rent and where they can drive.
The so-called “high impact” measures, announced Monday by City Manager Alina Hudak, will be in effect Friday to Monday in and around the South Beach entertainment district. That includes Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue, from Fifth to 16th streets.
Police will close an eastbound lane on the MacArthur Causeway to set up a license-plate reader on Fifth Street.
Drinking alcohol on beach property remains prohibited, unless specifically authorized by a special event permit or a concession agreement.
Cut-through traffic into the Flamingo Park or South of Fifth residential neighborhoods will be prohibited, except for neighborhood residents, beginning Thursday.
Vehicle traffic will only be allowed to enter Ocean Drive via 13th Street and exit on Fifth Street.
There will be no eastor westbound access between Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue except through Fifth or 16th streets.
Promoted parties will be restricted in the highimpact area.
Renting vehicles and driving them into South Beach will be allowed, but options will be limited in the entertainment district, as the city will shut down businesses in the area that rent out golf carts, threewheeled auto-cycles, motorized scooters and other low-speed motorized vehicles.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
As for parking, visitors to South Beach who don’t want to deal with the headaches of finding a space in the entertainment district can park away from the busy area and take advantage of the city’s free shuttle service that will operate Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The designated pickup locations are:
42nd Street garage: Shuttle will serve trolley stop #219 at Sheridan Avenue and 41st Street.
23rd Street garage:
Shuttle will serve trolley stop #194 at 23rd Street and Liberty Avenue.
17th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the City Hall garages: Shuttle will serve trolley stop #200 at 17th Street and Convention Center Drive.
Fifth Street garage: Shuttle will serve trolley stop #113 at 6th Street and Lenox Avenue.
OTHER MEASURES
There will also be some boating restrictions in a “safety zone” near South Beach during the annual Air & Sea Show, which will feature military demonstrations.
Hudak also listed additional measures she could take if she deems it necessary — such as a ban on coolers, tables and inflatable structures on the beach; limits on live or amplified music; and sidewalk cafe closures.
Miami Beach Police will be out in full force working 13-hour shifts. MiamiDade Police and MiamiDade County Schools Police will assist with crowd control. Code Compliance will also have enhanced staffing in the entertainment district.
Miami Beach Fire will beef up staffing in the entertainment district and
conduct life-safety inspections at venues, including occupancy loads, throughout the weekend.
More than 150 civilian Goodwill Ambassadors from the city and county will be in the area answering questions from visitors, offering help and serving as liaisons to the police. Park rangers will also enhance staffing on Ocean Drive and at Lummus Park and South Pointe Park.