MIAMI (WSVN) - A flurry of high-profile events in Miami-Dade County will keep visitors and local residents busy this weekend, and officials said they’re taking steps to ensure everyone stays safe.
South Florida will be packed with people visiting from all corners of the globe, and locals will also be getting in on the fun.
7News cameras on Thursday night captured City of Miami Police officers shut down southbound lanes of Biscayne Boulevard near Bayside Marketplace. On Friday, officers began rerouting southbound traffic in the area.
This is one of several road closures that will remain in effect through Sunday as several major events take over Miami-Dade.
The Miami Open will draw big crowds at Hard Rock Stadium this weekend, and spring breakers have already descended on Miami Beach, but the biggest draw promises to be the Ultra Music Festival in downtown Miami.
“This is our first time out here in Florida, our first time at a festival like this. I’m from [Los Angeles], so I’m a bit used to the traffic, but honestly, this is such a new environment, and it’s all pretty exciting,” said an attendee.
“We’re from Greece,” said another attendee.
In Miami Beach, city commissioners opted against imposing a curfew this weekend, but they voted to have liquor stores close at 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
The temporary measure is in response to a deadly weekend in South Beach after two shootings created panic among spring breakers.
Liquor store employees like Gulf Liquors manager Fernando Martinez said city leaders acted without taking into consideration the economic impact on local businesses, especially those located away from the entertainment district.
“I think it’s really unfair because the problem is not here, the problem’s on Ocean Drive,” said Martinez, “but you have several businesses that are still open that sell alcohol.”
Meanwhile, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber did not hold back about his future plans.
“Most cities in Florida that have created a spring break have tried to get rid of spring break, and I’d like to get rid of ours,” he said.
But not this weekend. Many more visitors are expected.
Tourists will attend plenty of music events in Miami Beach as part of Miami Music Week.
In downtown Miami, big stages have been set up for Ultra.
Ultra will unspool Friday through Sunday and is expected to attract more than 165,000 people.
“Fifteen arrests, no injuries last year. This year, we’re looking to top that,” said City of Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales.
Saturday night, the Miami Arena will be hosting a Miami Heat game next door to the Ultra stages.
Morales said they’ll be keeping tabs on everything with the help of other agencies.
“Our special units, like SWAT, our Office of Emergency Management, K-9, mounted, motors, so you’ll see the full contingent and the full might of the Miami Police, including our helicopter out there,” said Morales.
Thursday afternoon, Miami Police tweeted out a video with safety tips aimed at Ultra attendees.
Drivers are advised to avoid the areas where road closures are in effect if possible.
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