Miami Beach Curfew Extended Through Thursday

MIAMI BEACH, FL — City officials have extended a midnight curfew through Thursday as some Miami Beach residents continue to be without power. Officials have not said publicly what percentage of residents are still without power, but Florida Power & Light crews continue to work on unprecedented outages throughout Florida. Hurricane Irma moved through Miami Beach on Sunday.

"There are still areas with minimal lighting and we are airing on the side of caution until power is restored citywide," said Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine in announcing the extension on Thursday. "FPL is still working on some feeders that had larger damage." (For more hurricane news or local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Miami Beach Patch, and click here to find your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Levine said that FPL had hoped to complete the repairs to the feeders on Wednesday. "They hoped to be completed with the feeders yesterday; however, due to the excessive damage work has taken longer than expected," he explained.

City residents were permitted to return from a mandatory evacuation beginning on Tuesday but many residents have not yet returned, posing a security threat.

"Please remain indoors during those hours. All businesses will be closed during this period. Sale and distribution of any alcoholic beverages is prohibited between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m, and will be strictly enforced," Levine instructed with respect to the curfew.

Watch: Hurricane Irma's Destructive Journey By The Numbers

"This curfew includes all pedestrian and vehicular movement, except for those individuals or entities designated for essential services such as fire, police, public works, and hospital services," according to Levine.

"Please be safe and responsible. The curfew is mandatory and will be strictly enforced by Miami Beach Police Department," added the mayor. "Stay safe."

Workers ready Ocean Drive for tourists. Photo by Paul Scicchitano.