Keys Officials Advance Date, Time for Visitors Return;
Tourists Can Come Back to Keys Today at Noon
Preliminary infrastructure assessments indicate the Florida Keys are in excellent condition following the passage of Tropical Storm Fay, thus enabling Keys officials to advance the announcement that visitors can return to the island chain beginning at noon today (Tuesday, Aug. 19). Previously, it was projected travelers would be able to return Wednesday.
“Despite some minor impacts, everything is in great shape and we’re ready to host visitors again,” said Monroe County Mayor Mario Di Gennaro, who also chairs the Keys tourist development council.
Travelers to the Keys should verify lodging reservations, but Keys chambers of commerce and tourism associations are reporting most properties will be ready to accommodate guests this afternoon.
Some attractions, especially dive and fishing charters, may not be ready to serve customers until Wednesday and Thursday. It also will take a day or two for winds and seas to subside.
Assessment of the Keys’ infrastructure indicated Fay’s impact was minimal with mostly trees, signs and awnings down. Utilities report their systems in good working order.
Monroe County Airports Manager Peter Horton said Key West International Airport and Florida Keys Marathon Airport are to open at noon today. Horton said only American Eagle and Continental Connection are flying today. Other carriers will resume service tomorrow. Greyhound is to resume bus service later today.
Motorists traveling on roads to and in the Keys should exercise caution as they drive through Fays spiral outer bands that may still be present.
The National Hurricane Center has discontinued tropical storm warnings for the Keys. The tropical storm warning has been replaced by a Key West National Weather Service-issued small craft advisory counseling boaters to stay in port until winds and seas subside.
The Port of Key West should open later today. The first cruise ship back to Key West is scheduled to dock on Thursday, according to Port Director Raymond Archer.
State parks are to reopen following damage assessments.
All hospitals, law enforcement and emergency services are operational.
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Contact: Andy Newman, (305) 461-3300 or (305) 542-6014
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