Miami to temporarily close four spoil islands to cut down on contamination and littering – NBC 6 South Florida

Ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend, the City of Miami has announced that it will be closing four of its spoil islands in an effort to cut down on contamination and littering throughout Biscayne Bay and the islands.

City officials announced Wednesday that Osprey Island, Morningside Island, Willis Island, and Pace Picnic Island also known as “Teachers Island,” will be temporarily closed beginning Friday.

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🌿 This temporary closure aims to prevent contamination and littering in the bay and on the islands, as well as to assess and restore the natural beauty of our city and waterways. The @miamipd Marine Patrol unit will enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy. pic.twitter.com/4tyVeg0ce7

— City of Miami (@CityofMiami) May 22, 2024

Anyone trespassing onto the islands will be subject to arrest, and the Marine Patrol unit will enforce zero-tolerance measures against those seen trespassing, officials said.

Boaters who visit the islands were advised to seek alternate destinations.

“The Miami Police and Parks and Recreation Departments are collaborating to raise public awareness about the detrimental impacts of littering 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.”