MIAMI.— Ocean Drive could remain closed to vehicular traffic from Thanksgiving Day until the end of March each year, after the Miami Beach Commission unanimously backed a proposal to expand pedestrian space.
The measure would cover the stretch between Fifth and 15th streets, one of the most visited sectors of the Art Deco historic district. The Commission voted 7-0 to request the necessary approvals and move toward permanently converting the corridor to a car-free promenade.
The initial project called for reopening the road after Valentine’s Day, but commissioners extended the period until March, when Miami Beach receives large concentrations of visitors for spring break.
Why does the County decide?
Although Ocean Drive is located within Miami Beach, municipal authorities cannot modify its circulation on their own. The Miami-Dade Code grants the County Department of Transportation and Public Works exclusive jurisdiction over traffic engineering on county roads, including municipal streets.
The closure could also alter access to Collins Avenue, which is part of State Highway A1A. For that reason, the County must analyze the circulation plan, grant permits and coordinate it with the Florida Department of Transportation.
A county resolution passed in May already ordered expediting the review of future applications to pedestrianize Ocean Drive, as long as they meet state requirements.
Divided shops
Commissioner Laura Dominguez, sponsor of the proposal, said numerous businesses have reported higher sales when the street remains closed to cars.
According to the legislator, the restrictions applied during festivities, meetings linked to the World Cup and busy weekends worked satisfactorily.
For his part, Tom Glassie, representative of the Avalon Hotel, also supported the change and maintained that previous experiences improved the commercial environment, safety and cleanliness of the corridor.
However, other hotels and businesses expressed concerns about guest access, merchandise deliveries, valet parking and moving traffic to Collins and Washington Avenue.
The municipal administration must design charging schedules, alternate routes and access mechanisms for residents and emergency vehicles before receiving the permit.
Ocean Drive has seen different configurations since May 2020, when it was closed during the pandemic. The vehicles partially returned in 2022, while the city studied a definitive solution.
