Wind forces Miami Beach to cancel New Year’s Eve fireworks display

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The windy weather prevented Miami Beach from hosting the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display on Thursday in South Beach, officials said.

Kendarius Bonds, of Atlanta, Georgia, was among the tourists who were waiting for NYE fireworks on Ocean Drive. The 10 p.m. show was supposed to be near Eighth Street.

Bonds said he was happy to visit Miami Beach for the first time. To him, it was “a little weird” that he had to wear a face mask, but he wore it anyway.

“The only thing I want to see happen is I want to take care of my mom,” Bonds said about his New Year’s resolutions, adding he wants to make sure she doesn’t have to work anymore.

Ahmed Elsayed and Ronnie Albahno were visiting Miami Beach from San Diego, California. They were among the many tourists who said they are ready to move forward with 2021.

“People have lost their jobs and I hope 2021 gets better,” Albahno said.

Miami Beach police officers were asking people to wear face masks and social distance. They were also preparing to enforce Miami-Dade County’s 1 a.m. curfew.

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About the Authors:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.