Island Chain Spared Significant Impact from Hurricane Ike

Visitors Returning to Florida Keys

Unwrapping Key West's famed Southernmost Point marker Thursday, after Ike moved away.

Enjoying the day's end Thursday in Islamorada.

Florida Keys News Bureau

    Visitors are returning to the Florida Keys & Key West after officials lifted a precautionary visitor evacuation order initiated Sept. 6 because of a threat from Hurricane Ike.

    Thursday, travelers began arriving by plane at Key West International Airport and cruise ship at the Port of Key West. Others drove down the scenic Overseas Highway from mainland Florida to begin vacations in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys and Key West.

     The island chain was brushed by tropical storm-force winds Tuesday and early Wednesday, according to meteorologists at the Key West National Weather service. However, Ike's center passed about 145 miles to the south-southwest of Key West and hurricane-force winds remained well away from the Keys.

    Travelers began returning after assessments indicated the region's infrastructure was in excellent shape following Ike. Storm damage to tourism facilities was limited to downed tree limbs, some coastal road flooding and sand loss at some Key West beaches.

Visitors interact with a dolphin Thursday at Dolphin Research Center in Marathon. DRC Photo

    In Key West, workers quickly cleaned debris and seaweed from coastal roads next to beaches before visitors returned.

     "This town knows how to clean up after a storm or a large party," said Key West City Manager Jim Scholl. "We're ready for visitors."

    Travelers can access a series of Webcams positioned throughout the Keys showing the latest real-time images of popular entertainment venues and adventure spots.

Atlanta passengers arrive in Key West Thursday.

    Almost all hotels, attractions and restaurants throughout the island chain are operating as usual and visitors should make lodging reservations.

     Many Keys accommodations, attractions and restaurants currently are offering more than 125 KeysKash value-added vacation opportunities. Offerings range from additional nights at lodging properties to reduced prices on parasail adventures.

Visitors from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship finish up a tour on the Conch Train Thursday.

    Several special events are scheduled this month in the Florida Keys & Key West, including the Florida Keys Poker Run, the Islamorada Sportfishing Festival and Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival. October brings Fantasy Fest, Key West's famed costuming and masking festival that draws tens of thousands of revelers each year.

     For more Florida Keys travel details, go to fla-keys.com.

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