HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Many South Florida residents took advantage of the first day Hollywood Beach’s Broadwalk reopened.
The popular spot reopened on a limited basis at 6 a.m. Monday.
“Everybody loves coming here because of the beach and the weather and the wind,” said Aventura resident Silvia Bertoia. “It’s excellent!”
City officials said the Broadwalk will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
“I’ve been coming here for the longest time,” said Aventura resident Else Izquerdo. “It was closed, awful.”
Those who visit the area will have to continue following social distancing protocols.
David Davenport said he has been walking in the area for months, moving a block or two over when officers tell him to.
“It’s very weird this morning but nice,” he said. “It’s enjoyable to see people again.”
“We’re just getting out and getting some fresh air,” biker Jolly Wells said. “Just getting out and about.”
Hollywood Beach Police officers, beach patrol and park rangers were on scene to enforce the guidelines and usher visitors out of the area once 9 o’clock came around.
7News captured officers telling one man the beach closed at 9 a.m., not 9 p.m. like he had thought.
For most people, three hours is better than nothing.
“It’s a start, it’s a start. I mean, we have to be safe and be smart,” Wells said.
The reopening comes one day after Mayor Dale Holness and members of the Broward County Commission held a virtual workshop where they discussed the plan to enter into phase 1.
“We’re looking to open barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons, retail, restaurants,” said Holness.
Under the proposed plan, restaurants in the county would be allowed to open up at 25% indoor capacity, while outdoor guests would be required to sit 6 feet apart.
“People should take personal responsibility,” said Tom Andrews while visiting the broadwalk. “If you don’t want to go out, then stay at home but you can’t turn this into a prison. I mean, we’re in prison.”
Restaurant staff along Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale remain hard at work ensuring the businesses comply with safety guidelines.
“Every 10 feet we have a sanitizer station, in and out, hand sanitizers everywhere,” said Paul Greenberg, the owner of American Social. “We’re going to have our staff in masks and gloves. Our staff at the back of the house, same thing: masks, gloves.”
Nick’s Bar, a Hollywood Broadwalk staple, barely reopened. They underwent a major renovation when the pandemic hit.
“We opened up Dec. 26, and then we had to shut down March 18,” owner Jim Crowley said.
They’re open for takeout, but they’re glad to see people coming back.
“People listened, and when they had to get off, they did,” Crowley said.
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