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MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Mother’s Day weekend brought good news for South Florida residents looking to return to local parks, as officials have confirmed more reopenings this week.
In Miami Beach, South Pointe Park reopened Monday after the first attempt didn’t go as planned.
City officials said they were forced to shut down the park again last Monday after nearly 10,000 face covering and social distancing violations were reported in Miami Beach parks over one weekend.
After a week, officials said they’re ready to give it another try. The park will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays only.
“It’s just wonderful to get back out here and be able to enjoy the park again,” said Miami Beach resident Bryan Dean. “I understood people were not following the rules. I do really like that they’re saying, ‘Hey, when you’re in close contact –like we are now, and we’re more than 6 feet– even in this distance, wearing a mask makes total sense.’ When you’re out walking and the breeze is blowing, take your mask off and enjoy the fresh air.”
“As long as everybody is practicing the social distancing and have in mind to be away from each other, I think it’s not a big deal,” said Miami Beach resident Alexandra Siegenthaler.
“Hopefully, fingers crossed, they’ll abide by the guidelines this time,” said Coral Springs resident Simone Maxwell.
Cristiana Machado and her dog Schmoop were allowed to explore the Miami Beach park once again.
“It’s very important to have a place to take our dogs, people who have small kids,” Machado said. “People were really abusing it. People came from all over Miami, and the park was very full. Nobody was respecting the rules.”
Machado added that Monday’s crowd at South Pointe Park respected the social distancing measures.
“I see everybody with masks,” Machado said. “They are exercising. Everybody has been keeping their distance, and at those times, we have to be careful.”
South Pointe won’t be the only new option for Miami-Dade residents looking to get some fresh air.
“Just needed some fresh air and to take a walk,” said Miami Beach resident Michael Vines.
On Sunday, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens opened up its bayfront gardens. Like all county parks, social distancing and face coverings are required.
However, all beaches in Miami-Dade and Broward counties remain closed until further notice.
A cellphone video posted on Facebook showed a protestor who was arrested on Sunday near Fifth Street and Ocean Drive after she went onto the closed beach. Among the charges the protestor faces includes violating an emergency order and resisting an officer.
In Broward County, Hollywood’s Broadwalk is expected to reopen on a limited basis, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., starting Wednesday.
“I’m afraid when they open the beach it’s going to be like spring break where people have nothing to do, so they’re going to come,” said Vines.
The reopenings are happening as other parts of the Sunshine State are being closed to the public again.
In Naples, beaches are currently closed after, officials said, people ignored social distancing guidelines. Beachgoers described the large crowds.
“There was literally people everywhere. We didn’t even know where to sit. It was crazy,” said one beachgoer.
A Naples councilman said he saw signs of people from the eastern part of the state since beaches there are still closed.
“I’m sure they’re tired of being pent up in the house, but you have to think about this,” said a local resident.
Meanwhile, Palm Beach County is set to move into Phase 1 of reopening on Monday.
“I think that if the parks are open, the beaches should be open, not to sit but just to, again, be able to enjoy the fresh air,” said Boca Raton resident Ronni Walker.
For a list of park reopenings in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, 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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