MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – For the first time in years, traffic is once again flowing down the full length of Ocean Drive as the sun rises over South Beach.
“It was a dream coming true,” one resident said of the roadway prior to the order to reopen it. That resident is among many others who are displeased with the reopening of Ocean Drive to traffic.
Miami Beach city workers removed the barriers Friday that had kept vehicle traffic off Ocean Drive between 13th and 15th Streets since the pandemic.
“A promenade with beautiful people walking with children and bicycles … paradise and no traffic, no loud noises,” another resident said.
The pedestrian promenade was originally created during the pandemic, but the county permit allowing its closure expired.
Business owners, including those at the Clevelander, later sued the city, arguing that shutting down the two-way street had obstructed customer access.
“We have experienced a tremendous negative effect in our business, our customers, and our jobs,” a business owner said.
This week, a judge ordered Miami Beach to reopen the road to traffic just as it was before COVID-19. Bike lanes were also ordered to be removed, sparking frustration among some longtime residents.
“You can tell that this is the reason why the residents don’t want this,” another added.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner had defended the decision to keep Ocean Drive closed to traffic.
“The street right now is as safe, as clean, and as family-friendly and inviting as we’ve ever had on Ocean Drive,” Meiner said.