Hollywood Broadwalk reopens, but don’t even think about going on the beach

The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk reopened quietly Wednesday — without the beach.

Oh, you could see the sand and the glittering waves and the wind pushing around the palm trees. But access to the beach is still forbidden, and plenty of Hollywood police patrols strolled the 2.5-mile pathway to make sure nobody crossed the line.

The Broadwalk reopened in the wake of coronavirus quarantine and the reopening of South Pointe Park in South Beach, where crowds refusing to keep social distance or wear masks caused the park to shut down. It has since reopened a second time.

The Hollywood reopening went smoothly, with slightly more than half the walkers masked. The city recommends facial coverings but doesn’t require them. Although if you’re not wearing a mask and you cough, expect a few sneers and the occasional bristling challenge of “Where’s your mask?”

The Broadwalk originally opened from 6-9 a.m., but those hours have been discontinued. The primary enforcement rule on opened day seemed to be this: No loitering. Police patrols walking and driving on the Broadwalk urge anyone who stops to chat to keep moving (although this did not stop strollers from resting in the chairs in front of Margaritaville and other benches along the pathway). Rules say walkers must maintain a distance of six feet between them. Public restrooms are open.

Bicycling is allowed, although rollerblading, skateboarding and skating are prohibited. The beachfront Charnow Park remains closed, its benches and tables inaccessible, as are the paddleball courts.

Under new rules reopening Broward County, restaurants are open and the Broadwalk’s original 6-9 a.m. hours have been discontinued. Bike riding will be prohibited from 2 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Mondays from Harrison to Carolina streets to allow for a Temporary Cafe Zone, so restaurants can expand their dining areas by using outdoor spaces.

The point at the Broadwalk, then, is to get some exercise and maybe a cup of coffee — and move on. Still, many walkers gazed longingly toward the ocean. So close and yet so far.

“That’s where we want to be,” said Connie Irwin of Hallandale Beach, who was walking with her friend Amy Greenberg. “We miss it.”

Rolando Pabon was celebrating his 41st birthday at his beachfront condo. The New Jersey native, a home health aide in Pompano, sat on his tiny porch, his front door open and a “Happy Birthday” banner across the picture window. Passersby waved and shouted friendly birthday greetings.

“I hope everybody follows the guidelines,” he said. “If not, they can’t do this. I love to see all the different people going past. The last six weeks, there’s been nothing.”

This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 11:56 AM.