MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – As Hurricane Milton inches closer to Florida, Miami Beach residents and tourists are feeling the brunt of the storm’s powerful winds, while businesses along Ocean Drive cautiously remain open on Wednesday.
Despite the rough ocean conditions, Miami Beach’s Ocean Rescue teams weren’t too busy as visitors heeded warnings to stay out of the water.
The usually crowded boardwalk, a popular spot for biking and jogging, was eerily empty as of 6 p.m.
South Pointe Park was filled with people, but by Wednesday afternoon, even tourists were staying indoors as conditions worsened.
Businesses that rely on beachgoers, like those renting jet skis and lounge chairs, began shutting down early, while others on Ocean Drive are staying open — at least for now.
“It’s business as usual until the weather changes,” said one local café owner, who noted that many beach-related services had already suspended operations.
For the tourists still out and about, spirits seemed unusually high.
Svetlana Koveva, who is visiting South Florida from Russia, said, “We love it here. We’re aware of Milton, but things seem normal.”
Monty Garawan of India echoed that sentiment, adding, “My sister called me in the morning and said, ‘Be aware and alert.”'
Windsurfers and kite surfers were spotted in the morning, enjoying the strong gusts before the weather turned more severe.
Steve Borland, who is visiting from Scotland, said he felt lucky that South Florida isn’t expected to get the brunt of the storm.
“It’s nothing compared to what folks in Tampa are facing,” he said.
With powerful winds already blowing debris like palm fronds, safety is a growing concern. Construction sites along the coast have been secured, and many small hotels are offering discounted rooms to evacuees from Florida’s west coast.
Still, the situation is fluid. As the storm inches closer, businesses may soon decide to close their doors.
Read this story in Spanish by clicking here.
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