Tortuga Music Festivalgoers able to return after brief evacuation

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Local 10 News headed out to Fort Lauderdale where we talked to fans about the big Tortuga Music Festival this weekend. But soon people were scampering after an emergency alert went out to ticketholders around 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Then, just around 6 p.m., festivalgoers, who were told to seek shelter, started to come back to the beach after they were sent another alert that it was safe to return. It was about an estimated 60,000 people that had to evacuate and then return.

“I think they’re being over cautious because of absolutely crazy this week has been,” said one attendee.

The mass exodus created a traffic mess which left many frustrated.

“(The) concert let out almost 60,000 people so when you do that and you cut out all traffic, no one can go anywhere,” said one man. “Now we have a situation with kids that are partying on top of their vehicles in traffic.”

Many were on the fence on whether or not the event should’ve been postponed.

“The weather is giving us a damper, but it’s OK, we’re positive people,” said another attendee.

Despite the current emergency situation in parts of Fort Lauderdale, organizers of the 3-day multi-stage festival on the beach said the show was going on.

It was lightning in the area that forced the evacuation on Friday and it is likely that it could happen again this weekend. Organizers have recommended that people keep an eye on their social media accounts for updates.

Big headliners are expected to perform this weekend including Eric Church, Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain.