Florida Keys Open to Visitors, with Infrastructure Intact After Hurricane Rafael
Tourism infrastructure is intact throughout the 125-mile-long Florida Keys & Key West-island chain after Hurricane Rafael’s far outer bands brushed the Keys with tropical storm-force wind gusts but no significant impacts.
The National Hurricane Center early Thursday cancelled a tropical storm warning for the Florida Keys from the Channel 5 Bridge through Key West including Layton, Marathon, and Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, and the Dry Tortugas.
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, including all 42 bridges, is fully open.
Key West and Florida Keys Marathon International airports are open and unaffected.
No emergency protective actions, including visitor or resident evacuations, were taken by Monroe County Emergency Management officials. Florida Keys utilities are operating normally.
Throughout the Keys, almost all accommodations, attractions, museums, restaurants and other businesses of interest to visitors remained open as the storm passed. Charter fishing and dive boats are to resume operations as winds and seas subside.
Some Florida state parks that closed in the Middle and Lower Keys are reopening Thursday and Friday morning.
With Wednesday’s first race canceled because of the weather, organizers at the Race World Offshore Key West World Championship plan to stage races Friday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 10.
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ABOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST
The Florida Keys & Key West is a premier getaway destination located at the southernmost tip of Florida and the continental United States. The Keys stretch over 125 miles connected by 42 bridges and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf. Discover the spectacular array of diverse activities offered in the Florida Keys like fishing, diving, natural wonders, fine dining and cultural heritage. From large resorts, secluded waterfront hideaways and courtyard guest houses, visitors can uncover the perfect place for their vacation. Restoration, renovation and preservation have become a way of life in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re driving or flying into the Keys, one thing is for sure: there’s simply no place quite like it. Want more reasons to visit The Florida Keys & Key West? Get inspired at visitfloridakeys.com and follow us @thefloridakeys on social media.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Mary B. Haban
Senior Director of Public Relations
Visit Florida Keys & Key West
(305) 394-3142
Visit Florida Keys & Key West PR Agency Team (TURNER)