The Reopening Of Miami Beaches Is Officially Postponed After Weekend Protests

A weekend of protests in Florida has led to the Miami beaches reopening postponed. That was the word from Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez. The county initially scheduled the reopening of waterways for Monday, June 1. Now, that won't happen at least for the foreseeable future.

"Following the unrest associated with protests in our community, I have decided to postpone the reopening of beaches in Miami-Dade County," said Mayor Gimenez in a press statement on Sunday. 

In turn, a countywide curfew was declared. It will run from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily until further notice. 

While the beaches will remain closed, the curfew will not affect other reopenings under the original order. Pools in apartment complexes and condominiums will still be able to reopen on Monday, as well as private and some public community pools. Hotels will also be able to welcome back guests.

People on social media reacted to the retraction, with many complaining that some were being punished for the actions of a few.

"What does one this had to do with the other," said Agustin, who goes by Mahnus1224 on Twitter. "This makes no sense. Why? Were the protesters heading to the beach?" 

South Florida's beaches have been closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While most beaches in the state have since reopened, Governor Ron DeSantis allowed Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach to set their own dates for reopening. 

Neighboring Broward County was also slated to reopen its beaches today. A curfew was also instituted, but there is no word yet as to whether that will affect beach reopening there.

Restaurants and retail establishments were the first to reopen in Miami-Dade County, but officials wanted to wait until after Memorial Day to reopen the beaches.

Palm Beach County is currently the only South Florida county to fully reopen its beaches, as long as beachgoers adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

*This piece has been updated.