South Floridians Bundled Up With Latest Cold Front
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – People all across South Florida are enjoying this coldest snap yet of the year, bundling up and heading outdoors. Saturday night temperatures dipped into the 50's and crowds packed Miami's Brickell area.
It's a welcome break from the heat and humidity, exchanging the sandals and tank tops for warm boots and cute coats.
"We're cold. But it's nice it's refreshing," said Lema Amarin as she and her friend wrapped each other's arms for warmth.
Brian Maher helped his wife Elizabeth bundle up as they walked out of Mary Brickell Village into the chilly night air.
"What happens is she goes to Macy's and buys me a sweater and gets herself a new coat. And then we go to dinner and walk around," explained Maher, his sweater flung over his shoulder.
About five minutes north from trendy Brickell the scene was a little more dire. No cute, cool winter attire there. Survival was all that matters on the streets of downtown.
Miami police and outreach workers picked up homeless people wanting shelter on such a chilly night.
"I'm trying to get off the streets," a man named Carlos told CBS4. He's been homeless four years now and explained, "It's hard to get into a shelter. It's good that they're picking people up,"
The outreach van took nearly two dozen people to stay at local shelters. Police and outreach workers don't force anyone to go to a shelter.
But they said many homeless people often turn them down for a variety of reasons.
Back at the pricey shops and restaurants the mood was a little lighter and grateful.
"I have a lot of friends in Connecticut and DC who are getting hit by the blizzard," Amanda Ferrar told CBS4 Reporter Donna Rapado. "They're all posting on Facebook that if you see pets, if you see people, these are the numbers to call. So it's really awesome that they're able to implement that here's because it's the same type of feeling because they're not used to the weather."
"It makes us feel grateful," added her friend Amarin.
