Keys Residents Who Evacuated for Ike Can Now Return
Monroe County Emergency Management and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office officials have completed assessments of the Overseas Highway and are suggesting those residents that evacuated for Hurricane Ike begin returning to the Keys now.
Although the National Hurricane Center has discontinued tropical storm warnings from North Key Largo through Key West, motorists should exercise caution while traveling on the highway in the event that any remaining outer fringes of Ike bring brief periods of strong winds and rainfall.
Keys tourism officials advise that visitors should wait until Thursday to return to the region. The vast majority of hotels, attractions and restaurants should be operating by then. Visitors should make reservations before traveling to the Keys.
A few tourism businesses, including fishing and dive boat operators, might need another day to get ready.
Florida Keys Marathon Airport and Key West International Airport are reopening for general aviation activity at noon Wednesday. Key West is anticipating the return of commercial air service by no later than early Thursday morning.
Coast Guard officials advise that small boats should remain in port until winds and seas subside. A small craft advisory, issued by the Key West National Weather Service, is in effect and is likely to continue through Thursday evening.
All major hospitals in the Keys are fully functional.
Monroe County Public Schools are scheduled to reopen Thursday.
Keys utility services reported a 3:42 a.m. Wednesday morning power failure from Tavernier through Key West due to debris in the main transmission line. Linemen were able to effect a cleanup and power was restored for the majority of customers shortly after 6 a.m. Some scattered outages still remain but utility workers are quickly addressing the situation.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo has reopened and other Keys state parks should be reopening Thursday and Friday.
ADDITIONAL HELP AND RESOURCES
Monroe County Emergency Information: (800) 955-5504
County Public Access Television: Channel 76 on Comcast Cable
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