Residents Concerned Las Olas Art Festival May Become 'Super Spreader' Event

Some Fort Lauderdale residents are concerned about the 33rd Annual Las Olas Art Festival during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NBC Miami reported. Festival organizers announced Tuesday (October 13) that the event will happen this weekend in the city's downtown. They also said there will be new safety protocols to curb the spread of coronavirus, such as online reservations, a one-way path, social distancing guidelines and mask rules.

Community leaders and residents said this may not be enough. In a letter to both city officials and Broward County, nearly two dozen residents and doctors are urging local leaders to cancel the festival. They argue that it may become a 'super spreader' event due to the timing. "Even though it’s outdoors, it doesn’t mean you’re safe,” said Dr. Joseph Arena. “With the congestion and all the people and all the heat, it's only going to enhance the problem."

Broward County officials said festival organizers submitted a plan that met all the requirements for operation, and that "those opposed to the event say there should have been a public discussion," NBC Miami reported. A publicist for the Art Festival added that this altered event took "months of planning." Organizers also said they have half the amount of local and national artists they usually have.

“We all want the world back to normal. Every one of us wants this event to happen, when it’s safe,” Stan Eichelbaum said, who is with the Fort Lauderdale Alliance for Good Government.

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