Coronavirus be damned: Miami parties like it’s 2019 again after DeSantis order
Gulp. It seems it’s back to business as usual, Miami.
Mere hours after Gov. Ron DeSantis moved Florida into Phase 3, people got lit, partying like it was 2019. We’re talking pre-pandemic proportions.
Despite a seven month-lockdown and consistent reporting of COVID-19 cases and deaths, the people apparently are ready to get back out there.
Social media users showed videos of packed crowds and bars with little to no social distancing nor masks for that matter.
At R House Wynwood, the famed weekend drag brunch started up again Saturday after a long hiatus.
The bar’s Instagram stories show performers twerking and sashaying about the space indoors and outdoors with facial shields while diners, many with no masks, danced and cheered from their tables.
R House is absolutely taking precautions, the owner says.
The queens all wear masks while performing and guests can tip via Cashapp, owner Owen Bale told Miami.com. He added tables are set six feet apart, hand sanitizing stations are set up inside and outside in the garden and a stage with plexiglass.
Sunday was a big night out for Miami Heat fans, as the team made it to the NBA finals. Flanigan’s locations were ground zero for celebration, with large TV sets lining the packed bars. On Instagram, the sports bar advertised the big game between the Heat and the Celtics. Some commenters on the post were wary, asking if masks were still being worn. Most seemed absolutely pumped. “Let’s goooo!” wrote one.
Owner Jimmy Flanigan admitted seeing the amount of people after so much time in lockdown was a “a little scary.”
“It was too busy,” he told the Miami Herald. “So we backed off to 50 percent.”
On @OnlyinDade, after the Heat clinched the victory, one video by @doctortouch showed Racket Wynwood patrons packed in, the majority screaming in celebration about the Magic City’s awesome basketball team.
Food writer Olee Fowler is a concerned citizen, tweeting a pic of Neme Gastrobar, that was totally full Friday night, hours after DeSantis’ edict.
“Video was posted at a local Miami bar’s IG account about six hours ago. So first night of lifted regulations are going ... well.”
A video shows the place jumping with a smiling, maskless DJ yelling at the top of his lungs in Spanish into a microphone.
“We’re celebrating the biggest moments!” he yells into the microphone to a big crowd, loud house music and flashing lights. “Family, friends, people are ready to party tonight!”
This story was originally published September 28, 2020 at 4:08 PM.
