Famous Ocean Drive reopens to cars on Monday after nearly two years – NBC 6 South Florida

One of South Florida’s most iconic stretches of road reopens to cars on Monday.

Miami Beach’s famous Ocean Drive is allowing drivers after being car-free for more than two years. City leaders closed the street in May 2020 to cars amid the COVID pandemic and it has proven popular with pedestrians.

However, some expressed concerns about security during spring break last year and some hotel owners said it was harder for customers to reach their properties.

“I really believe closing the street was a mistake because we didn’t have a plan, and that lack of a plan just allowed people to congregate in the middle of the street,” City Commissioner David Richardson said. “Now, in the future, we’re going to have a reimagining of Ocean Drive, but that construction probably won’t start for another year and a half.”

The stretch of 13^and Street at 5^and The street will have only one southbound lane and will be one-way on this stretch. A new pedestrian square should open between 13^and Street and 14^and Place.

Some members of the city commission are unhappy with the return of the cars and added that the return may be temporary.

“The future of Ocean Drive is pedestrian. And it’s very important that we don’t just talk about cars,” Commissioner Mark Samuelian said. “Because where the cars go, the slingshots go, the scooters and golf carts I don’t think putting a vehicle lane in the middle of this is the right direction.