Miami closes four Biscayne Bay islands for Memorial Day weekend to protect natural habitat from litter

Miami city officials announced the closure of four artificial islands over Memorial Day weekend in an effort to reduce pollution and waste in Biscayne Bay.

Starting this Friday, the city will close the four islands of Biscayne Bay to all boating enthusiasts due to the many piles of trash left behind by visitors. Those islands are Osprey Island, Morningside Island, Pace Picnic Island and Willis Island.

“We want to take all necessary measures to ensure that people can recreate, but in a responsible way,” said Loren Parra, Miami-Dade County Bay Director.

Anyone entering the islands will be arrested, and the marine patrol unit will apply zero-tolerance measures against those found trespassing, authorities said. Recreational boaters who frequently visit the islands were advised to seek alternative destinations.

“The Miami Police and Parks and Recreation departments are collaborating to increase public awareness of the harmful impacts of litter and will enforce existing laws and regulations,” the city said in a statement. “This is a temporary measure to evaluate and restore the natural beauty in our city and our waterways.”

City spokesperson Kenia Fallat said: “We are temporarily closing the islands so we can assess them and better protect our bay and the islands. We know Memorial Day is coming up. We just want people to understand that we are not going to tolerate this. Anyone seen trespassing will be arrested.”