MIAMI.- As part of the security measures before the arrival of Memorial Day weekend, Miami authorities have taken a series of steps aimed at maintaining control during these days in which the country honors its fallen heroes, and that It also implies pollution and a large influx of people.
In a statement, the city announced the temporary closure of four artificial islands in Biscayne Bay with the aim of reducing pollution and garbage waste during this holiday. These islands are Osprey Island, Morningside Island, Willis Island and Pace Picnic Island, also known as “Teachers Island.”
Local authorities reported that the closure will take place starting this Friday the 24th before Memorial Day, although they did not specify until when the measure will be extended.
To make the new rule understood, different posters were placed with signs indicating the restriction of access to these spaces. In addition, tourists who frequently visit the islands were advised to look for alternative destinations.
Local authorities expressed that the decision is part of the need to promote environmental stewardship and responsible recreation in the bay to restore the city’s natural beauty.
Loren Parra, Chief of the Miami-Dade County Bay Department, noted that “we definitely want to take all the necessary measures to make sure that people can recreate, but in a responsible way.”
For his part, the mayor of Miami, Francis Suárez, stated in a video broadcast by the city, “think twice before putting something in the water. Whether you’re in a park, whether you’re on the water, it all comes to our bay. “If you want to continue enjoying the waterways, if you want to continue having as much fun as you do now, you have to take care of it.”
Adding efforts
The officials of the Florida entity have been joining forces with the implementation of different programs such as “Leave no trace”, an initiative that consists of removing garbage cans in specific areas to encourage visitors to take responsibility for their waste and not leave it behind. in the parks.
The legislation, approved by Miami commissioners on March 14, is intended to protect the Biscayne Bay ecosystem in the long term and promote environmental management, as well as recreation committed to nature.
“The ‘Leave no trace’ philosophy is implemented in national parks, people already know that what you take with you, you take with you. Which simply means you don’t litter and you don’t leave your trash behind,” said Miami community activist Sandy Moise during the official launch of the program.
The enormous amount of trash that visitors regularly leave on the island is overwhelming, reaching more than 120,000 pounds collected annually. Therefore, the decision was considered to close them and implement radical measures during this weekend where thousands of people are expected to visit the city.
Failure to comply with the closure will imply jail
The statement also indicates that failure to comply with the temporary closure of the closed islands will have consequences for those who violate the mandate. Anyone entering these spaces will be arrested.
“We are going to temporarily close the islands so we can assess them and better protect our bay and the islands. We know Memorial Day is coming up, we just want people to understand that we are not going to tolerate this. Anyone seen trespassing will be arrested,” he said Kenia Fallat, city spokesperson.
The authorities indicated that the marine patrol will be guarding the closed areas at all times and will implement a zero tolerance policy against those who try to invade them illegally.
“The Miami Police and Parks and Recreation departments are collaborating to increase public awareness of the harmful impacts of litter and will enforce existing laws and regulations,” the city statement said.
@Lydr05
Source: With information from the statement and Telemundo51 Miami
