DoD Frightens Residents with Military Exercise in South Florida

Officials Conduct Military Training in South Florida

May 8, 2012

WSVN - Many residents were left concerned after officials conducted a military drill in South Florida.

It was a rude awaking for many residents in the Coconut Grove area after hearing helicopters hovering over South Florida. "I had to go out in the balcony to see what was making the noise," said Rusty Hudson.

The scene was much like the military exercise over Brickell in April of 2011. Residents in Coconut Grove were in panic mode. "I saw the helicopters, and I saw the police cars. I saw, I guess, dropping a precaution thing, the simulation of gun fires and all this other stuff," said Hudson.

The Department of Defense was conducting an operation that lined the driveway of the Grand Bay Hotel Tuesday, where residents saw people repelling from helicopters and entering the building between 1 and 3 a.m.

Miami Police Department Major Delrish Moss said there was no need for concern. "A lot of people have called in a panic. There is no need to panic. These operations are quiet, they are efficient, and they are fast," he said.

Sites near Miami City Hall and Peacock Park also saw military action. Moss said,

"They practice here in an urban environment, and they work with local law enforcement so that they can do their jobs better, to keep us safe."

Many people like Carlos Granier took their concerns to the social media. "What's up with all the planes and the big black helicopter flying over Miami? Feels like Abottabad," Granier wrote on Twitter.

Officials have been going around putting notices under residents' doors to notify them about the training.