Protests against the Cuban regime had part of the Palmetto blocked for about an hour
The Palmetto Expressway was halted in both directions Tuesday afternoon as people showing support for protesters in Cuba marched on the highway. Protests along the route continued into late into the evening.
The stoppage occurred from 1:35 p.m. to 2:35 p.m. between the Southwest 24th Street and 40th Street exits.
Protest blockages spilled off the Palmetto Expressway as well, as Miami-Dade police said they were assisting the Florida Highway Patrol on the roads leading to the Palmetto Expressway, between Southwest Eighth Street and Bird Road, Southwest 40th Street.
Police also reminded people that obstruction road is illegal and that “the expeditious flow of traffic cannot be compromised.”
Both agencies redirected southbound traffic at the exit of State Road 836, the Dolphin Expressway and are continuing to halt northbound traffic around Bird Road.
There were similar demonstrations on Okeechobee Road near Hialeah, in northwest Miami-Dade, as well as in Tamiami Park. There were also several hundred protesters along Northwest 33rd Street near Northwest 91 Avenue in Doral.
Videos of the blockage show roads backed up for miles and protesters confronting authorities creating a barrier.
Later, a novena was held for the protesters in Cuba at Ermita de la Caridad in Coconut Grove. Archbishop of Miami Thomas Wenski presided over the Mass.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez were both at the service Tuesday evening.
“I think the people of Cuba are speaking and saying they are ready for change. They want to have freedom and liberty,” Levine Cava said. “Here in this country where we are so blessed by all those who come from Cuba and who are longing and praying for a free Cuba, we stand with you tonight.”
Daniel Varela, Alexia Fodere and Carli Teproff contributed to this report.
This story was originally published July 13, 2021 at 2:01 PM.
