Local Cities Hold Virtual Memorial Day Events Amid Pandemic

With some parts of South Florida still not even open amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year's Memorial Day holiday looks much different with some cities going virtual in their remembrance ceremonies.

The city of North Miami held a virtual ceremony Monday on the city’s Facebook page, honoring the fallen heroes with a wreath dedication and 21-gun salute to remember those who gave their lives defending freedom.

Some cities, including Hialeah, still held events in public, with that city's mayor at an event at Triangle Park to commemorate those who have served.

"We wanted to make sure that we could do this, regardless of the weather, regardless of the circumstance of the coronavirus,' Mayor Carlos Hernandez said.

Hernandez was joined by memebrs of the city council and others who fought the weather to honor those who lost their lives.

“It’s not about the beaches, it’s not about a holiday. It’s about remembering and honoring those heroes that have given their lives for our freedom and our way of lives," he added.

A Flood Watch was issued this weekend for the counties in South Florida and has been extended into Tuesday morning.

The pandemic has kept several main tourist areas closed since the middle of March, with Fort Lauderdale not reopening their beaches until Tuesday morning along with hotels and gyms reopening the same day. Beaches will be open from sunrise until sunset with no picnics or sunbathing allowed.

Miami Beach, a normal hotbed of activity during the holiday weekend, remains closed until June 1^st with restaurants in the city still limited to takeout service.

“It’s very different this year as those projections we would typically get from hotel occupancy, we simply don’t have this year,” said Ernesto Rodriguez from the Miami Beach Police Department.

Both Miami and Miami Beach plan to reopen restaurants for restricted dining starting Wednesday.