Ocean Drive in Miami Beach will reopen to two-way traffic on Friday, June 2, 2023, after a lawsuit filed by The Clevelander hotel. The iconic South Beach hotel alleged that the road closure, which had been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic, was illegal and harmed its business.
Until Friday afternoon, vehicles could only transit southbound from 13th Street to 5th Street, and a pedestrian plaza was open between 13th Street and 14th Place. However, after the Clevelander's lawsuit, the city of Miami Beach agreed to remove the barriers and restore Ocean Drive to its pre-COVID-19 condition.
The city filed an appeal, but Mayor Steven Meiner conceded that he did not see a way around the change. Residents have expressed mixed opinions on the issue, with some welcoming the return of two-way traffic and others concerned about increased traffic and safety hazards.
The reopening of Ocean Drive to two-way traffic is expected to have a significant impact on the area, potentially increasing traffic congestion and noise levels. It remains to be seen how the change will affect businesses and residents in the long term.