Highland Avenue in Melbourne will be closed to traffic on December 14 for a community event aimed at bringing residents together. The City of Melbourne announced the closure last week, saying the street will be transformed into a space for local businesses, organizations, and residents to gather. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the avenue, which runs between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Ridge Road.
City officials said the celebration will feature food trucks, live music, and activities for children. Local businesses have been invited to set up booths, and several organizations plan to host informational tables. The event is part of the city’s efforts to strengthen neighborhood connections, according to a statement from the mayor’s office.
Residents were notified of the closure via mail and social media, with signs expected to be posted along Highland Avenue in the coming weeks. The street closure will affect traffic on both sides of the avenue, but city officials said alternate routes will be clearly marked.
The celebration follows similar events in other parts of the city, including the annual downtown holiday market. City staff said they hope the event will highlight the diversity of Highland Avenue, which is home to a mix of long-standing businesses and newer shops.
No permits are required for attendees, and the event is free to the public. Officials urged drivers to plan alternative routes and encouraged residents to participate in what they called a ‘day to celebrate the community.’