Fort Lauderdale is gearing up for its annual Saint Paddy's Day revelry, but with all the fun comes a traffic headache for locals and visitors alike. The city has announced significant road closures and traffic advisories for the St. Patrick's Parade & Festival slated for March 15-16. Drivers should be ready for detours and delays as the event prepares to paint the town green with Irish pride and festivities.
On Friday, March 15, from 2 to 6 p.m., SE 6th Avenue will fall under the spell of celebration and be closed from Las Olas Boulevard to the hotel overpass for street striping, as per the city's traffic advisory. The closure sets the stage for the St. Patrick's Parade & Festival that promises to transform Tunnel Top Plaza and its environs into a hotspot of cultural celebration the following day.
The main event kicks off on Saturday, March 16. The festival, boasting a day-long affair from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., will take place at Tunnel Top Plaza located at Las Olas Boulevard and SE 6th Avenue. At noon, the parade will begin its march, expected to draw crowds eager to immerse in its jubilant procession. Starting from Huizenga Plaza, the parade will make its way east on Las Olas Boulevard to SE 9th Avenue, bedecking the route with the vivacious hues of Irish tradition.
Along with the festival's cheer, road closures will roll out as early as 8 a.m. lasting until 10 p.m. Essential thoroughfares such as SE 6th Avenue, from Las Olas Boulevard to the hotel overpass, and Las Olas Boulevard, from Andrews Avenue to SE 9th Avenue, will be shut to traffic. These restrictions will leave Las Olas Boulevard from SE 5th Avenue to Tunnel Top Plaza similarly inaccessable, stalling the usual traffic flow in favor of pedestrian mirth and festivity. SE 1st Avenue will also be closed from Las Olas Boulevard to Broward Boulevard, adding to the list of adjustments necessitated by the event.
City officials are advising attendees and residents to plan ahead for the traffic changes. Expect congestion and longer travel times throughout the event's duration. For those seeking more information or guidance on how best to navigate the festivities, details are available on the official Fort Lauderdale parks department website. Visit parks.fortlauderdale.gov/stpat to ensure the only surprises during this St. Patrick's Day are the joyous celebrations and not traffic snarls.
