HOLLYWOOD BEACH, Fla. – The Hollywood Broadwalk is expected to be one of South Florida’s top destinations on the Fourth of July, even in the wake of mass shooting that occurred on Memorial Day.
The Broadwalk is where Hollywood residents Crystal Caponigro and Bryan Bratcher bike several times a week.
They were there the day of the shooting.
“He just missed it,” Caponigro said.
“I was about to ride back this way, and the gunfire started happening,” said Bratcher.
What happened over Memorial Day weekend is still fresh on the minds of those who love the beachside landmark.
A dispute between two groups led to nine people being shot in broad daylight.
On Monday, there was a law enforcement presence walking up and down the Broadwalk.
Police cruisers were also noticeable on site.
Hollywood police told Local 10 News there will be enhanced enforcement for the holiday on Tuesday.
In May, following the shooting, the city’s chief of police told residents they can expect to see more officers, that staffing would be modified with an additional team of security guards, and that there will be enhanced surveillance.
“There is more of a police presence here now after that incident,” Bratcher said. “I’ve always felt safe, but I feel safer now.”
Bob Ferro has owned Nick’s Bar and Grill for 43 years. He says he recently sent the city a letter requesting more security.
“Oh, it’s always safe,” he said. “I would assume it’s going to be the same as they always do, there is going to be like 150 policemen.”
Ferro believes what happened on Memorial Day was an isolated incident.
Pete Marvin is a native South Floridian who grew up on the beach. He said he believes there are problematic people everywhere.
“A lot of guns and lot of nutty people,” he said. “You put those two together and then you add alcohol and drugs, you know, bad situation.”
Marvin said he, too, has noticed the increased police presence.
“I just hope it’s quiet,” he said.
Hollywood police say to expect heavy delays and to heed the traffic plan set in place for the Fourth of July.
DANIA BEACH BOULEVARD
From 8 p.m. to midnight, access to the barrier island will be closed. All eastbound traffic will be U-turned and directed west on Dania Beach Boulevard.
SHERIDAN STREET
From 11 a.m. until midnight, no eastbound traffic will be permitted onto the barrier island via Sheridan Street. All eastbound traffic will be directed north onto Southeast 5th Avenue, south onto North 14th Avenue, or to U-turn westbound on Sheridan Street.
HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
From 11 a.m. to midnight, the southbound A1A exit ramp to westbound Hollywood Boulevard will be closed.
From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., eastbound traffic will be directed north or south on A1A.
From 8 p.m. until midnight, all eastbound traffic from Hollywood Boulevard to A1A will be directed southbound only.
HALLANDALE BEACH BOULEVARD
From 8 p.m. to midnight, all northbound traffic on A1A will be directed to U-turn at Jackson Street southbound towards Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
OCEAN DRIVE – NORTH OF SHERIDAN STREET
From 11 a.m. until midnight, northbound traffic will be directed north toward Dania Beach Boulevard. Southbound traffic will be directed west on Sheridan Street.
OCEAN DRIVE – SHERIDAN STREET TO HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
From 11 a.m. to midnight, the Hollywood Police Department will restrict southbound traffic between Sheridan Street and Hollywood Boulevard to one lane. The southbound A1A exit ramp to westbound Hollywood Boulevard will be closed. Northbound traffic will be directed to exit at Sheridan Street. Broward County Transit will travel northbound only during this timeframe.
The traffic pattern is subject to change based on traffic flow, according to police.