Florida Keys Closed to Tourists

Updated: Thursday, October 27
     If you've been planning a vacation to the Florida Keys, hold that thought. Monroe County officials say the popular destination is closed to visitors until the infrastructure can be restored. Officials are discussing the reopening and a schedule will be announced soon.
     Although residents who evacuated can return, county officials are strongly suggesting they wait a few days. Most areas of the Keys do not have power and hospitals are at minimum staff. There is still debris and power lines down, making getting around unsafe.
     Progress has been made in the 48 hours since Wilma whipped through Florida, but there is still much left to do. According to Keys Energy officials, the main electricity transmission line has been restored between the Florida mainland through the Upper and Middle Keys and to Big Coppitt Key in the Lower Keys. All but about 2,000 customers have had power restored as of Thursday.
     More Keys information:

• The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority has issued a precautionary boil-water order for the entire Florida Keys until further notice.
• Highway 1 (the Overseas Highway) is now completely OPEN.
• The Florida Keys Marathon and Key West International Airports are OPEN to general aviation during daylight hours ONLY. It is reported that there is an adequate supply of aviation fuel.
• No rental cars are available at either airport. There is a waiting list of 200 and there is no word when vehicles will become available.
• Monroe County schools are to be closed through Friday. Some are being used as shelters.
• Fantasy Fest was to have started today (Wednesday), but had to be postponed. A new start date will be announced later this week.