Florida Keys Temporarily Closed to Visitors; Infrastrurcture Repairs Moving Along

Monday, Sept. 25 • 10:00 a.m.

In the wake of Hurricane Irma impacting the Florida Keys, infrastructure repairs and restoration efforts continue on a rapid basis, according to Keys officials.

While residents and business owners have returned to the Keys, visitors have been asked to postpone any near-term plans to vacation in the island chain. Officials are conferencing Monday to consider a date for offical return of visitors.

Travelers who had near-term reservations should contact their airlines and hotels to change plans. American and Delta airlines and Silver Airways have resumed commercial air service into Key West International Airport. Still, overnight visitors are asked to postpone immediate vacation plans throughout the island chain and contact their airlines and hotels for further details. The Key West Port is open and received its first cruise ship since prior to Irma's passing through the Keys on Sept. 10.

Some regions of the Keys were impacted more than others and damage at Keys accommodations' facilities, restaurants and attractions varies from no impacts, except for landscaping, to severe damage because of storm surge.

The Florida Keys Electric Cooperative reports that all customers that can receive power now have it. Keys Energy officials have almost 100 percent power restorated in Key West and are working diligently to recover service for customers in Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys.

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority has restored water to almost all customers. Boil-water orders have been rescinded in almost all areas.

All bridges on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway are safe for travel. A few breaches in the roadbed caused by storm surge were quickly repaired according to Florida Department of Transportation officials.

Areas in the Florida Keys between Key Largo and the east of the Seven Mile Bridge (Marathon),  are under a midnight-to-6 a.m. curfew. Remaining areas southwest of the Seven Mile Bridge to the city limits of Key West observe a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Key West has no curfew.

A dedicated informational website has been established at KeysRecovery.org