Shuttered, Sandbagged SoBe Waiting To Reopen On Monday
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) – South Florida was spared any major damage from Tropical Storm Isaac except possibly an economic one this weekend.
One of the busiest streets on South Beach, Lincoln Road, sat shuttered and sandbagged on Sunday.
"I've never seen it like this actually," said Miami Beach resident Jorge Arauz. Eddie Cruz agreed, "Empty, very empty."
No movies, no shopping, not even window shopping at some stores. Just a few bars and a couple of restaurants remained open Sunday night and business remained slow.
"There's locals that want to do something but if there's nothing to do they go home or whatever," said Arauz.
But Isaac's whipping winds and drenching downpours didn't keep everyone home and warnings to stay out of the water didn't keep everyone on the shore.
"I'm a surfer so we're looking for a couple of swells to come through," said Rene Acker.
Ocean rescue workers said they responded to several calls but it was one of their trucks that needed rescue after it got stuck in the sand for a couple of hours.
"Pretty funny, unfortunately though they're out here trying to keep an eye on the people so they get put in harm's way," said Acker.
Stinging sand posed another problem for people on the beach.
"The sand is hurting me when the wind comes."
Other than downed trees and isolated flooding, Miami Beach officials said they're not dealing with major damages, just some ruined vacations.
One group of tourists canceled reservations in Key West and came to Miami Beach, but couldn't escape Isaac's wind and rain..
We're trying to make the most of it," said Mohamad Fakhouri who is visiting from Lebanon. "It's not something we usually see it's pretty incredible isn't it the power."
Beach officials say crews are monitoring streets for flooding and debris and they'll begin cleanup on Monday.
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