Keys Officials to Examine Possible Evacuation Changes
A forecast change in the progress of Hurricane Ike is providing Keys emergency managers an opportunity to re-evaluate plans for Sunday’s mandatory resident evacuation, officials said Saturday.
“Forecasters are telling us that track changes and a slower forward speed of Ike may provide more time for the evacuation,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “This coupled with Miami-Dade’s plans to delay possible evacuations on the mainland buys us more time.”
Gastesi said that emergency management officials plan to make decisions evacuations following the 5 a.m. Sunday Hurricane Ike advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
“We urge all Keys residents to check the county’s Website (www.monroecounty-fl.gov) or Channel 76 or local media before they leave,” Gastesi said.
Gastesi said that all Keys residents should continue wrapping up hurricane preparations and executing their hurricane plan with the intent on departing Sunday at times previously announced.
There will be no changes to the mandatory visitor evacuation, Gastesi said. Keys visitors were asked to leave beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Once the evacuation begins the two drawbridges in Monroe County including Snake Creek and Jewfish Creek will not open for marine traffic (boats) to avoid any vehicular traffic (cars, etc.) delays.
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ADDITIONAL HELP AND RESOURCES
Keys Visitors Assistance: (800) 771-KEYS
Visit Florida Hotel Hotline: (800) 287-8598
Monroe County Emergency Information: (800) 955-5504
County Public Access Television: Channel 76 on Comcast Cable
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