Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, boaters and paddle boarders hitting Miami’s waters should know that they’re going to have to avoid a couple of islands in Biscayne Bay.
The City of Miami announced Wednesday that it will close four spoil islands in the Bay in order to prevent contamination and littering. Beginning Friday, May 24, these islands are Osprey Island, Morningside Island, Willis Island and Pace Picnic Island (also known as “Teachers Island”).
“This is a temporary measure to evaluate and restore the natural beauty in our City and our waterways,” the city said in a statement, adding that Miami Police and the Parks and Recreation Departments are working together to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of littering and will enforce existing laws.
Anyone trespassing into the islands will be subject to arrest, and the Marine Patrol unit will enforce zero-tolerance measures against those seen trespassing.
These closures follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ policy, which was enacted in March of this year. It encourages the sustainable use of natural resources while minimizing the impact of human activity on Biscayne Bay. In other words, pack up all your trash if you’re hanging on a spoil island and dispose of it back on the mainland.
According to officials, the four islands will be closed on a temporary basis “until further notice” and boaters should seek alternate destinations.
For updates and any information on the closures, follow the City of Miami on X/Twitter and visit their website.