Visitor Evacuation Florida Keys

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Capt Gary

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Scuba Instructor
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Location
Tavernier, Florida Keys
# of dives
We just got this from Monroe county. Here we go......


Keys Officials Initiate Protective Actions for Ike
Visitor Evacuation to Begin Saturday Morning


Initiating protective actions Friday to ensure safety of life and property, Florida Keys officials ordered a mandatory visitor evacuation, officially beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday.

All visitors are asked to calmly leave the Keys beginning early Saturday morning.

Emergency officials are set to begin a phased, mandatory evacuation for all residents beginning Sunday at 8 a.m. Times and regions are as follows: Lower Keys and Key West: 8 a.m.; Middle Keys including Marathon: Noon; Upper Keys including Key Largo, Islamorada and mainland Monroe County: 4 p.m.

The evacuations are to continue through Monday at noon, well prior to the current forecast’s arrival of tropical storm force winds arriving in the Keys Monday evening.

“The forecasters at the National Hurricane Center and Key West weather office are cautioning that a portion of the Keys may be impacted by a major hurricane,” said Keys Emergency Management Director Irene Toner. “Because of our unique geography and the possibility that other Florida counties may also be ordering evacuations, it is important for residents and visitors to heed our advice.”

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Roth said that while people should not waste time securing their homes, businesses, boats and other property, there is no reason to panic.

"There is plenty of time to make hurricane preparations and calmly leave the Keys," said Roth. "Our deputies will be out in force, making sure the evacuation goes smoothly and any accidents that might occur are cleared from the roadway quickly in an effort to minimize delays."

Tolls on the Card Sound Road Bridge are to be suspended Saturday morning.

To assist visitors and residents needing to locate hotel rooms outside the Florida Keys, Visit Florida is establishing both an online and operator-assisted hotel availability resource pool for evacuees. The online component should be available beginning Saturday morning by going to Florida Vacation, Tourism, Travel & Entertainment Information - VISITFLORIDA.com and looking for the “hotel availability” link.

Visit Florida visitor assistance phone number is 1-800-287-8598.

Officials suggest that visitors and residents evacuate to mainland hotels well away from coastline areas.
 
I dont like Ike!!! We are watching it and started putting up the shutters, securing the boat etc.
Probably will go to coconut creek(in laws) to ride this storm out but not sure yet.
 
I drive a lower keys shuttle bus and the latest thing we got was some of us drivers will be starting an evac sunday morning at 4am. They want us to have 3 drivers a bus so we can drive non stop for 24 hours just shuttling people out of the keys. They are looking at a 48 hour window to get people out.

The storm does seem to be moving south at the moment but honestly if you don't have to be down here this would be a great time to head north, go take in Orlando, enjoy a nice motel and enjoy yourself.
 
The storm does seem to be moving south at the moment but honestly if you don't have to be down here this would be a great time to head north, go take in Orlando, enjoy a nice motel and enjoy yourself.

A few years ago we were headed for a long weekend in Key West, hotel reservations, car packed and headed out the door. An oncoming storm changed our mind so we reversed directions and headed for Key West Animals

It was not Key West but was a reasonable substitute:cool2:

Key West at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando
Orlando, Florida
This lush tropical paradise is filled with a variety of animals including a feeding area for dolphins and stingrays. It features a tropical lagoon with rolling waves, a sandy beach, and an underwater viewing area where you can take an up-close look at endangered sea turtles. Also enjoy live bands and a nightly Sunset Celebration.
 
Key West Animals? Didn't know about that. Well I drive them around all day.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix-ai/

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