The thrills of high-speed racing are set to return to Miami Gardens with the 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix kicking off at the Hard Rock Stadium this weekend. As the Miami International Autodrome once again prepares for the roar of engines, residents and businesses gear up for the impact of road closures and visitor influx. According to NBC Miami, closures began yesterday with segments of 2X Northbound and Southbound shutting down from 8 AM until midnight, and will continue through Sunday stretching around the stadium area.
While Formula 1 fever grips fans, local residents brace for the inconvenience of detours and extended travel times. Today's road closures will see NW 14th Court and 199th Street, along with NW 27th Avenue and 199th Street closed between 6 and 9 PM. The full day will witness a shutdown of the 2X Northbound and Southbound closures, NBC Miami reports. For businesses, the event is a double-edged sword, with some like Lorna's Caribbean and American Grille, experiencing a customer surge, setting up patios and outdoor bars to welcome race enthusiasts.
The economic implications for Miami Gardens are significant, much to the delight of some establishments. "It helps a lot," Matari Bodie, owner of Lorna's Caribbean and American Grille told CBS News Miami, noting the event brings about 40% more business than usual. However, not all businesses share the enthusiasm. Across the street, Classy Girl Beauty Supply manager Hassan Sam voiced concerns over reduced customer traffic during the event, fearing a repeat of last year's $10,000 loss during race weekend.
Despite traffic disruptions, supporters like customer Patricia Hay embrace the excitement, seeing it as beneficial for the city's economy. "I have no problems with the crowd," she emphasized to CBS News Miami. "Like I said, it brings money into the city — it makes the city more attractive." The South Florida Business Journal projects the Miami Grand Prix to have a $505 million economic impact.
