MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Crowds for Memorial Day weekend were filling up the streets in South Beach on Saturday and Sunday for the 2023 Hyundai Air & Sea Show.
The event was created to honor those who’ve given their lives to protect this country.
Local 10 News spoke with tourists who have flown in from all around the world to attend Miami’s main event.
“We’ve never been here before, so very exciting to be here,” said one tourist.
“It is going to be fantastic. The festivities are amazing,” said Fred Dubois, who’s visiting from France. “You got people flipping dirt bikes. It’s a fantastic time.”
The event had a heavy turnout as crowds were not deterred by Saturday’s forecast that called for rain. Sunday was expected to be extremely warm and visitors were encouraged to prepare for the heat and make sure to drink plenty of water.
A heavy police presence was scattered throughout the area to keep everyone safe.
Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said there were police officers active at Lummus Park.
“There’s so many activations in Lummus Park on Miami Beach. There are concerts at night. It’s something you can bring a child (or) a friend,” he said. “Having this many people in the military in town does create a sense of safety.”
City officials said they are hoping to curb some of the negative attention that the holiday weekend has seen in previous years from the crowds.
Ocean Drive was also filled with heavy artillery, not just on the ground but also in the air as men and women in uniform gathered for the event.
U.S. military members from all over the country were preparing to honor the brave who have sacrificed their lives to protect and serve with a patriotic display.
“What we are trying to do is let the American public come back and meet the men and women who protect their freedom,” said Mickey Markoff, the producer of the show.
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