Heavy Security, Road Closures Expected as Netanyahu Visits Surfside

SURFSIDE, Fla. — More than 1,000 people are expected Wednesday to attend a late-afternoon address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Bal Harbour Shul, an event that will bring unprecedented security and significant traffic disruptions to Surfside and surrounding North Beach communities.

Federal, county and local agencies said extensive security operations will be in place throughout the day because of the presence of a U.S. Secret Service protectee. The United States Secret Service, working with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and police departments from Surfside, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands and Sunny Isles Beach, will implement rolling and extended road closures beginning at 8 a.m.

Authorities said traffic impacts are expected along the Collins Avenue corridor and nearby routes, with delays likely lasting through the evening. Organizers warned residents and visitors to expect gridlock from Miami Beach north through Surfside and into Sunny Isles Beach.

TRAFFIC ALERT 🚨
Please expect traffic delays on December 31st along Collins Avenue. pic.twitter.com/LgqRhxzPE0

— Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (@MiamiDade_SO) December 30, 2025

Road closures and traffic changes

Officials outlined a series of temporary traffic patterns tied to the security footprint:

87th Street and Collins Avenue: Beginning at 8 a.m., northbound truck traffic will be turned around and diverted south on Harding Avenue.

88th Street and Byron Avenue: Starting at 8 a.m., only passenger vehicles will be allowed to continue northbound.

93rd to 96th streets on Collins Avenue: From 10 a.m., all northbound vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Collins Avenue will be suspended between 93rd Street and 96th Street. Southbound Harding Avenue will remain open. Pedestrians will be routed to Harding Avenue or the beach hardpack. Passenger vehicles will be directed west on 93rd Street and then south on Harding Avenue or via Byron Avenue or Bay Drive to reach 96th Street and exit Surfside.

Truck ban and facility closures

All truck traffic — including commercial delivery trucks, vans, pickup trucks and oversized vehicles — will be prohibited from entering Surfside beginning at 8 a.m., authorities said.

Because of the closures, all Surfside town facilities and programs will be closed for the day, including the Tennis Center, Community Center, 96th Street Park and most municipal parking lots. Waste pickup will also be suspended on Wednesday and Thursday.

Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, Senior Advisor to the Sheriff, said special appreciation should be extended to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and all participating law enforcement agencies for their dedication and professionalism, particularly as the operation takes place on the eve of New Year’s Eve.

Organizers said security measures are expected to be among the most extensive ever deployed in the area, citing coordination across multiple jurisdictions and the anticipated crowd size. More than 1,000 attendees are expected to hear the prime minister speak at the Bal Harbour Shul late Wednesday afternoon.

Residents and visitors were urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and avoid the area if possible. Officials said updates would be issued as conditions change.