MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Boaters and parkgoers across South Florida said they’re thankful to finally be out on the water or taking a nature walk at a local park for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of public spaces.
At Haulover Park Marina, boaters on Saturday and Sunday told 7News they’re excited to finally be out enjoying some sunshine.
“It’s salt life, baby. We’re back,” said one boater.
“Thank God they let us come back out, so we’re ready to enjoy the weekend again,” said another boater.
“After two months of quarantine at home between four walls, it’s like finally we get some vitamin D,” said boater Marcel Seavo.
Throughout the region, more people were ready to experience some sense of normalcy.
At Black Point Marina, some people waited hours in line to get out on the water.
“I love that the marina is open. I love that they’re slowly letting people out in the open,” said a boater who was waiting in line. “I think it’s healthy. I think it’s good for people to be outside instead of indoors.”
At Altos Del Mar Park in Miami Beach, a skateboarder smiled for 7News cameras, as people played reggae music on speakers.
Of course, there are still restrictions.
In Miami-Dade County, vessels must remain at least 50 feet apart.
“You have to get with it and have fun, but always be safe,” said a boater.
Some police officers were spotted approaching people at parks and advising them that they need to wear masks or other face coverings.
“I hope that, as a community, we can maintain the distancing and really help out each other so we don’t mess it up,” said Boris Fernandez.
A sign at Altos Del Mar lists six restrictions that remain in effect:
- Social distancing guidelines are strictly enforced.
- Parkgoers must wear face coverings at all times.
- Gatherings of 10 or more people are still not permitted.
- Organized activities, sports and classes are also not permitted.
- Trails are currently one-way.
- Officials encourage park use to be less than two hours per visit.
Other parks in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, like Tropical Park in Southwest Miami-Dade, have similar rules, like requiring face coverings if parkgoers are within six feet of someone.
On basketball courts in Miami-Dade, only three players are allowed per half court.
People who came to Plantation Heritage Park on Sunday said they’re just happy to be out getting some fresh air.
“I’m super happy that they opened it up and gave us a chance to enjoy this beautifulness,” said a woman at the park.
In Fort Lauderdale, northbound lanes of A1A will be closed from Las Olas to Sunrise boulevards in an effort to help people keep their distance.
“We think it’s great ’cause it gives a lot of people a lot of room to spread us,” said Fort Lauderdale resident Jeannie Cave.
As many beaches throughout other parts of the state get ready to reopen on Monday, some in South Florida said they’re eager for the day they can soon get back out on the sand.
“You can keep looking at it and think, ‘Oh, I want to dive in that water,” said a passer-by on A1A.
But despite the newly opened spaces, some are calling for all restrictions to be lifted. Sunday afternoon, protesters gathered outside of the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami to demand state and local leaders to reopen Florida.
But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said a cautious and gradual reopening is the most effective course of action to take at this juncture.
“I know there are some folks saying, ‘Just flip the switch and be done with it,’ but the country has never handled an epidemic like we handled this one,” he said. “They didn’t in ’18, ’57, ’68, if you look at those pandemics, so nobody really knows, and anyone that tells you they know for sure, they’re not being honest, so that’s why I think being safe, smart, and step-by-step is the appropriate way.”
For more information on the newly reopened parks in Miami-Dade and Broward, click here.
Anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus can call the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.
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