Monday COVID-19 Update

In the interest of public safety, economic stability and long-term recovery, all individuals should reduce social contact to the greatest degree possible by limiting their travel for essential services.

Monroe County reminds the community that it’s Safer at Home!

The City of Key West has extended the State of Local Emergency for the next seven days. By doing so, all previous directives remain in effect.

“All residents shall practice social distancing to combat the spread of COVID-19,” reads the order, “and are encouraged to limit their activities to essential needs only because we are all safer at home.”

Among the directives already enacted:

Edward B. Knight Memorial White Street Pier is closed until further notice.

KOTS has expanded to 24-hour operations with an expanded footprint to allow for social distancing in this vulnerable population. Three means a day are being provided on-site.

Monroe County has closed Higgs Beach and the adjoining tennis and pickle ball courts.

A checkpoint at mile marker 112 and on Card Sound road was established Friday to limit access to the Keys to residents, workers and deliveries. This checkpoint remains in effect. In order to enter the county you must have:

  • Proof of residency can be demonstrated with a resident re-entry sticker, local identification, utility bill, deed, lease, or tax bill. Re-entry stickers are not required
  • Those actively engaged in work in the Florida Keys, such as construction workers, will need to show a letter from their employer, employee identification, a paystub, or current construction contract in the Keys.
  • First responders, healthcare workers, and military actively engaged in work in the Keys will need proper IDs.

Current change in Key West Transit:

  • LOWER KEYS SHUTTLE reduced hours: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Last northbound from Caroline and Grinnell Streets 5:54 p.m.
  • Last southbound 5:34 p.m. from Marathon
  • RED & ORANGE routes indefinitely SUSPENDED
  • BLUE & GREEN operating on Sunday Schedule

DUVAL LOOP indefinitely suspended.

All non-essential businesses are closed.

The directive also urges employers to utilize all reasonable measures to allow employees to work remotely whenever possible.

The directive does not limit the number of people present at a religious service. But people attending such services are urged to practice social distancing such as keeping six feet between each other and limiting group size to less than ten people.

Please refer any questions regarding the essential businesses to our hotline at 305-809-1101.

The Florida Health Department Monroe County has confirmed 23 cases of COVID-19 in Monroe County.

All hotels, short term rentals, vacation rentals and other transient rentals, marinas, RV parks and time shares ceased renting to tourists. The only exception is for long-term renters in vacation homes and R/V parks with contracts of 28 days or more, who are presently in the Keys. They are to be allowed to remain until the conclusion of their contracts.

Here are the other Key West closures:

  • Attractions and activities supporting gatherings of ten or more people, including passengers and crew.
  • All bars and nightclubs
  • On-site dining at all restaurants; limited only to take -out and delivery
  • Mallory Square
  • Smathers Beach
  • All parks and playgrounds
  • All recreational facility, including the PAL and Douglass gyms
  • Suspended the Duval Loop
  • Limited the Ferry Terminal outbound passengers only

The April 4th hazardous waste drop off at Indigenous Park has been canceled. Please hold on to your items for the next First Saturday. Please DO NOT drop waste off, as there will be no one on hand receiving it.

Key West is requesting that any business with the City be conducted remotely.

For building permits:
• Contact [email protected]
• Find the eTrakit instructions on the City’s website under the building department
• Submit electronically at: http://etrakit.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/etrakit/
• Walk through Wednesdays have been temporarily suspended.

For Parking issues:
• Pay tickets online via the City’s website at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov
• To report a parking violation, call 305-809-1000
• Questions, call 305-809-3855 or the hotline at 305-809-1101

Please stay tuned to the City’s live streaming online or on Comcast Channel 77 and AT&T Channel 99.

The City has established a hotline that is staffed 24/7: 305-809-1101

The City of Key West is posting daily agendas on its website to allow public comment via our eComment feature. This will allow Mayor Teri Johnston and City Manager Greg Veliz to respond to your questions and concerns daily.

Each day the eComments will be read, and City leaders will address your concerns and comments. In addition Spotlights are available on the City’s website, Facebook page and on Comcast Channel 77 and AT&T Channel 99.

For up-to-date information on the status of Monroe County and COVID-19, go to www.monroecountyem.com, www.floridahealth.gov, or www.CDC.gov. In addition, The Florida Department of Health has put up a 24/7 information hotline: 1-866-779-6121.

Additional links:

Human services at United Way: https://www.keysunitedway.org/

Financial aid: http://floridadisasterloans.org/

The Key West Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of some places for takeout and delivery: https://www.keywestchamber.org/take-out–delivery-options. But many others are offering this service.

A Facebook group to facilitate links and communication can be found at : https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onecleanisland/

FREE grab and go breakfast and lunch during the school closure. Meal service time is 11 am to noon Monday through Friday. Distribution points in Key West are Gerald Adams Elementary, Horace O’ Bryant School, and Key West High School. Meals are available to all children 18 and younger. Child MUST be present to receive a meal.

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