Popular Miami Island Closed for Memorial Day—Here’s Why

A crumpled water bottle floating in water. — Trash in the ocean FILE IMAGE: A group of boaters were recorded dumping trash in the ocean. (showcake - stock.adobe.com)

By Jade Alexander and Just Ben

May 15, 2025 at 7:20 am EDT

Boaters hoping to visit Flagler Monument Island over Memorial Day weekend will have to change plans. Miami Beach officials announced the island will be closed from 6 a.m. Friday, May 23, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, to combat ongoing littering issues.

The popular but uninhabited island has seen large holiday crowds leave behind piles of trash in previous years. To protect the area, the city is once again enforcing a temporary closure—just as it did during Memorial Day weekend in 2023.

While Miami Beach is taking proactive steps, the City of Miami says it currently has no plans to close spoil islands within its jurisdiction.

Officials are urging residents and visitors to enjoy the long weekend responsibly and help keep South Florida’s waterways clean.

Jade Alexander

If you’re a native of South Florida, you know Jade from her many years on local radio as a Jock and on television as both an Entertainment Reporter and News Anchor. This Miami girl has hosted some pretty memorable shows, events, and parties in this town. She’s a hugger, the ultimate animal lover, and has never met a stranger.