They were invited. So they came. After a year of mostly staying inside, a mix of college students on spring break and tourists, by the tens of thousands, descended on Miami Beach, a vacation hot spot that — along with the rest of Florida — has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions, opening its restaurants, clubs and bars.

Miami opened up and the revelers flocked In. Then came the crackdown.

Beaches in Miami reopen after a period of 3 months with strict social distancing measures in place.

COVID-19: Beaches reopen in Miami but with strict social distancing measures

Miami's beaches in South Florida opened for the first time in three months Wednesday, an emotional moment for many residents whose leisure and financial well-being are intrinsically tied to the sandy shores, which were closed due to coronavirus.

Miami beaches open after three months of COVID-19 closure