It could be quite an active Tuesday afternoon across South Florida due to the risk of severe weather and flash flooding across the region. And while we don’t need flooding or lightning, the precipitation could help crews get the upper hand on the fight against wildfires burning in our area.

Drivers and cyclists in downtown Miami say repeated openings of the Brickell Avenue Bridge during rush hour are creating major traffic headaches on both sides of the Miami River.  

“It’s a headache for sure,” downtown resident Cameron Beal said.  

According to signage from the Florida Department of Transportation, the bridge is not supposed to open during weekday morning and evening rush hours from 7:35 a.m. to 8:59 a.m. and from 4:35 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. The bridge also remains closed to marine traffic from 12:05 p.m. to 12:59 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

Outside of those restricted periods, the bridge is scheduled to open every hour at 30 minutes past the hour, according to FDOT signage.  

Still, residents on both sides of the river told CBS News Miami they have seen the bridge rise during restricted times, leading to backups that can last between 20 and 40 minutes.  

“It adds 30 to 45 minutes to our commute,” said Jose Perraza, who lives downtown with his wife.  

Perraza said the couple often uses bicycles to avoid vehicle traffic, but even then they still find themselves waiting to cross the river.

“The bridge goes up, so we’ll rush to another,” Perraza said. “It’s just a mission to have to wait so long. Mind you, the bridge is up all the time. The boats will just pass and pass and pass. It never seems to come down. It’ll come down for two minutes then right back up.”  

Software engineer Ihor Karas noticed the same pattern and decided to track bridge activity himself. He created IsBridgeUP.com, a website that uses state traffic data and bridge camera feeds to alert users in real time when the Brickell Avenue Bridge is open.  

“Every time I need to go across the bridge, I feel like it’s going up,” Beal said.  

Karas said data collected over the past month showed multiple bridge openings during restricted rush hour periods. He hopes the information can help city leaders better understand the traffic impact.

“I will show the website to city government and show the real problem,” Karas said.  

The Florida Department of Transportation owns the bridge and controls its day-to-day operation on site. CBS News Miami said it called and messaged FDOT for comment but did not receive a response before deadline.  

The U.S. Coast Guard, which oversees bridge operations, said federal regulations require the bridge to open for certain exempt vessels even during restricted hours.  

In a statement to CBS News Miami, the Coast Guard said:

“Governed by federal drawbridge regulations 33 CFR 117.305(a) and (d), the Brickell Avenue Bridge on the Miami River operates under specific scheduling restrictions. While restricted during set weekday hours, the bridge must open at any time for exempt vessels, including public U.S. vessels, tugs, tows, and vessels facing emergency situations where delay poses a threat to life or property. To ensure navigation safety and structural integrity, the U.S. Coast Guard requires the bridge to open for these exempt vessels even during designated closure periods. The bridge owner, Florida Department of Transportation, has the responsibility to ensure the drawbridge operates in accordance with federal drawbridge regulations. Additional questions may be directed to FDOT.”

“The Coast Guard will investigate any complaints regarding compliance to determine if a violation occurred,” the agency said.  

Two active wildfires burning in Broward and Miami-Dade counties are reducing air quality and visibility across parts of South Florida Monday as firefighters continue working to contain the flames, according to the Florida Forest Service and other state and local agencies.

The fires are highlighted on Florida’s Active Wildfire Points map, an interactive tool that tracks current wildfires across the state and provides updated information on acreage burned and containment levels. You can check it out here:

Max Road Fire in Broward

The largest blaze, known as the Max Road Fire, was burning west of U.S. 27 and Pines Boulevard in western Broward County. Officials said the fire has scorched at least 5,000 acres as of Monday morning.

Smoke from the Max Road Fire was drifting north and northwest Monday morning due to a light southeast breeze.

Florida City fire in Miami-Dade

A second wildfire, called the 172nd Avenue Fire, is burning near Florida City in southern Miami-Dade County. Officials said the fire has burned at least 210 acres as of Monday morning.

Smoke from that fire remained relatively stagnant because of calm winds, though conditions later Monday could push smoke northward toward Leisure City and Homestead.

The 172nd Avenue Fire temporarily forced the closure of Card Sound Road and restricted access to the Florida Keys over the weekend, though the roadway has since reopened.

Authorities are still urging drivers to use caution in the area because heavy smoke could continue reducing visibility. Residents across South Florida are also being advised to monitor local air quality conditions as firefighters work to bring both blazes under control.

Florida dry season fuels wildfire risk

Florida is currently in its dry season, a period that typically runs from October through May and brings an increased risk of wildfires across the state.

According to the Florida Forest Service, peak wildfire season usually occurs during April, May and June, when dry vegetation, low humidity and windy conditions can help fires spread quickly.

The National Weather Service said ongoing drought conditions and low relative humidity have elevated wildfire danger across much of Florida in recent weeks. Officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and remain alert as firefighters continue battling dozens of active wildfires statewide.