Security surrounding the Free Trade Area of the Americas talks turned Miami into a virtual ghost town Monday, the first day of meetings.
The streets were empty: park benches vacant; parking places available; shops closed or empty; and little movement by anyone except the police and media.
At the Golden Carrot Restaurant (pictured, left), a usually bustling downtown business, you could have your pick of any table -- most were empty at lunchtime.
The restaurant has been ordered to close on Thursday and Friday, but may shut down even sooner. Owners say with revenues expected to be just a third of normal, they've stopped buying food.
Two cruise ships normally docked in Miami were relocated to Port Everglades taking all their passengers with them.
World Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas and Carnival's Fascination left the Port of Miami and will board passengers at the Fort Lauderdale port.
In an eerie image fitting a ghost town, the only activity in the sky above downtown besides news helicopters were the infamous vultures that circle overhead during winter months.
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