FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Tortuga Music Festival returned to Fort Lauderdale on Friday, a week after a crowd surge at Astroworld in Houston killed nine people.
Jean and Dawn Jani were among the more than 30,000 fans the city had expected. They said they were excited to be there, but they were on alert to possible threats.
“We are looking at some high rises thinking about Las Vegas — can’t help to think that — but listen you have to live your best life,” Jean Jani said.
Fort Lauderdale officials want the public to know they are hyperfocused on public safety and prepared for months to welcome the music festival after it was canceled last year. The city has a network of police officers, lifeguards, and more than 38 paramedics standing guard.
There is also a large pop-up clinic with a doctor and nurses and attendees were having to show either proof of vaccination or a current negative coronavirus test to access the festival.
Drivers should avoid the area surrounding the festival at 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. The event doesn’t have designated parking. For more information about the lineup and tickets, visit this page.