Boatload Of Events Coming To South Florida Over The Weekend
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – An art and boat extravaganza is coming, as multiple events will take place in South Florida over the weekend. It should be great for the economy, but not the already difficult traffic situation.
But just how much is expected to be made? How about a $600 million boost.
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The yacht and brokerage show will have a billion dollars' worth of high end boats alone on Collins across from the Eden Roc hotel.
Then there's the Miami International Boat Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Bayside and near the Venetian Causeway.
The boat show is also expecting about 120,000 people.
"We are 74 years and going strong," said Cathy Rick-Joule who runs boat show.
However, if boating isn't your thing and prefer a little more culture, don't fear. Art Wynwood and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival have you covered.
"They're not just from the Grove, people come in from all over the world," said Lokal restaurant manager David Rodriguez.
Lokal says this is their busiest weekends of the year.
As if the 120,000 expected for the art show isn't enough, a wedding in the middle of the Coconut Grove is set to take place. H & H Jewels is throwing a same sex wedding dead center at the arts festival.
The Gale Hotel on Miami Beach – like almost every hotel – is booked.
"People started booking last year," said Karen Zuniga at the front desk.
Hotel and restaurant businesses across the board expect 20 to 30 percent increase.
So what about all the traffic?
The Miami Beach Police Department says traffic this weekend is the same as it is for Memorial Day weekend – which is bad, but not as bad as during Art Basel.
Remember Monday there is no school for Presidents day. Add the weather and water and you have a few reasons for the boom.
So if you love it, get ready to live it up. If it's too crowded get ready to hunker down.
