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VENICE – The South Jetty Park was closed early Thursday afternoon for safety as wind gust began reaching more than 30 mph. Venice Police was turning cars and pedestrians around not allowing anyone passed the closed gates as waves crashed along the walkway.

Fred and Peg Whytsell say they always watch the sunset from the park and were surprised to see it close so early. “We see the waves crashing on the rocks. We were here earlier today and it wasn’t as bad and now they’re really crashing about twice as three times as much,” said Fred. 

Humphris Park was closed to the public as well. Officials say they hope to reopen the area when conditions improve.