After Helene, Florida Keys Accommodations, Attractions Open

Florida Keys & Key West infrastructure is intact throughout the 125-mile-long island chain after Hurricane Helene’s tropical storm rain bands brushed the Keys, bringing wind and rain but no significant impacts, according to Keys emergency management officials.  

Friday morning, the National Hurricane Center discontinued all tropical storm warnings for the Florida Keys and the rest of the Florida peninsula.

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) is open without impacts, officials said.

Key West and Florida Keys Marathon international airports are open and operational. Passengers should contact their airlines, as flight arrivals and departures could be altered due to Helene’s weather effects outside South Florida and the Keys. The Port of Key West is open as well.

Throughout the Keys, land-based accommodations, attractions, museums, restaurants and other venues are open to visitors.

Most Keys state parks are reopening Friday, with Bahia Honda and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic state parks scheduled to reopen by Saturday morning, said John Lakich, assistant bureau chief for Keys state parks. 

The Keys National Weather Service Office issued a small craft advisory through at least Friday afternoon, cautioning boaters to remain in port until winds and seas subside. Almost all fishing, diving, boating and other water-based attractions are expected to resume normal operations once the small craft advisory is canceled.

Live Florida Keys webcams: fla-keys.com/webcams/

###