U.S. 1/boatramps busy for Fourth of July for motorists/mariners

Fourth of July traffic is heavy throughout the Florida Keys — on and off the water.

  • Deputies will be on the roadways watching for impaired and unsafe drivers. Don’t pass in no-passing zones or in center turn lanes as you are likely to get a ticket. If you plan to drive anywhere in or out of the county, plan extra time. Expect delays from the 18-Mile Stretch to Key West.
  • Designate a sober driver — for your car or your boat.
  • The Sheriff’s Office will have extra Deputies on the water to keep mariners safe. Be patient and courteous at sandbars, other gathering areas, and especially at marinas and boat ramps as they are expected to be busy.
  • Please leave the fireworks to the professionals.
  • Discard trash properly. It isn’t fair to leave it on the ground or in the water for someone else to clean up and you could be charged with littering.

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July!

Upper Keys traffic note: There will be a parade in Key Largo on July 4 that is expected to cause traffic congestion. Northbound traffic will be temporarily closed at Mile Marker 97 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. All traffic will then be diverted into southbound lanes starting at 9:45 a.m. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and will last about two hours. The highway is expected to return to normal by 1 p.m. Motorists should avoid the area during those times if possible.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]