HURRICANE IRMA RECOVERY UPDATE FROM MONROE COUNTY – EVENING

RE-ENTRY

A comprehensive re-entry program for all of the Keys is expected to be announced tomorrow.

Now, re-entry is limited to residents and business owners in the Upper Keys, to mile marker 73 and only during non-curfew hours.

The County has kept people out of the Middle and Lower Keys, which includes the hardest hit areas from Big Coppitt Key to Marathon, because it was not safe enough for residents to return.

A lot of work has been done to restore power, water, sewer and medical services to much of the Keys. There remain areas that have suffered massive damage.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TOUR EOC

The Monroe County Emergency Operations Center was buzzing on Friday with recovery operations and politicians.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio treated personnel to Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Italian dishes. He traveled with U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam had already made an appearance.

While Rubio and Curbello were meeting with Monroe County officials and Rep. Holly Raschein, Gov. Rick Scott arrived in a Humvee with five heads of state agencies and Florida Emergency Management Director Brian Koon.

“We all love the Florida Keys,” Gov. Rick Scott said. “it’s a special place.”

PETS

If you know of a distressed pet, call the Florida Keys SPCA emergency hotline at 305-304-5964.

If you know of a friend or neighbor who evacuated without their pet and that pet needs food, it is best to feed the pet where it is. Pet food can be obtained at the Marathon Animal Shelter, 615 11th Street Ocean in Marathon.

The Marathon and Key West animal shelters are not open yet. Work is being done to get them ready after cleaning them up and repairing damage after Hurricane Irma.

At least two veterinarians are open In Marathon. The Marathon Animal Hospital, 5001 Overseas Highway, and the Keys Animal Hospital, 11425 Overseas Highway.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Heart to Heart International has set up a medical mobile unit outpatient clinic across the street from the Key Deer National Refuge’s new visitor center on Overseas Highway on Big Pine Key.

The clinic provides basic primary care and urgent outpatient care. Doctors and nurses provide medical care, which includes tetanus shots and medications.

The clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Fishermen’s Hospital in Marathon suffered a lot of damage and will not be able to reopen before extensive repairs. In the meantime, a mobile hospital is coming from North Carolina that will be staffed with nurses, specialists, surgery units and beds. They hospital is working vigorously to return medical services to Marathon.

VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS

Anyone who would like to volunteer or donate goods and supplies to the Keys Recovery effort should call or text Raquel at 561-502-1500 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Monroe County Schools Superintendent Mark Porter reported that the School District is targeting a reopening date of Monday, Sept. 25.

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