As marinas and parks reopened this past weekend in Florida’s Miami-Dade county, residents who had stayed away for six weeks returned to the water in droves.
At South Dade’s Blackpoint Marina, a line of vehicles hauling boats stretched for more than a mile Friday morning as owners waited to launch. The marina parking lot was full by 10 a.m., andlocal police had to block access.
A video from WPLG Local 10 news showed depicted the scene at the marina.
With beaches in the area remaining closed, crowds headed to parks for sunbathing and recreation. The Miami Herald reported that many were not following the social distancing guidelines that remain in place and are outlined in a press release.
In the first two days that Miami Beach parks were open, officials handed out more than 1,550 face-mask warnings. City-issued guidelines state: “Facial coverings must be worn on the beachwalk and baywalk, except by children under the age of 2, persons who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition, or persons engaged in strenuous physical activity or exercise.”
At Julia Tuttle Causeway, state highway patrol officers had to clear crowds who had parked on the shoulder to fish and picnic.
Miami Beach city manager Jimmy Morales said in a tweet: “If we continue to experience people refusing to comply with the city’s emergency orders, including wearing face coverings where required (parks, beachwalks, baywalks, etc.), we will need to close certain areas.”
The city commission rejected a plan Friday to request that Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez reopen beaches.
