MONROE COUNTY DECLARES STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY FOR TROPICAL STORM ETA, PROTECTIVE MEASURES IN PLACE

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County has declared a State of Local Emergency on Saturday Nov. 7 due to a “threat of danger to the populace inhabiting Monroe County” and that the County “may require expedient action in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community.” A Local State of Emergency allows safety officials to coordinate resources in anticipation of needs before, during and after the storm.

The National Hurricane Center also issued a tropical storm warning for the entire Florida Keys on Saturday at 10 a.m. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39-73 mph) can be expected in 36 hours.

EVACUATIONS

  • All occupants of mobile homes, live-aboard vessels, and other similar units shall evacuate those units and are encouraged to take shelter with family, or friends. Occupants of these homes or vessels encouraged to take shelter in sturdy buildings by no later than Sunday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
  • Shelters are planning to open on Sunday, Nov. 7. Timing will be announced later today or early tomorrow.
  • All recreational vehicles, trailers, campers, and other similar mobile units shall depart from the County by 9 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8.
  • General visitor and resident evacuations are not planned at this time. Visitors staying or planning on staying in Florida Keys hotels should be aware of hazardous weather conditions and consider altering their plans until after the threat of Tropical Storm Eta is clear.
  • Airports will continue with normal operations through Sunday, at this time.
  • Sheltering information will follow later this evening, shelter staff will be doing health screenings and COVID-19 protective measures will be in place.

“Residents need to monitor this storm and be prepared for high tropical storm force sustained winds and hurricane strength gusts,” said Shannon Wiener, Monroe County Emergency Management Director. “Please secure all boats and outside items today for this event.”

County government operations decisions will be made Sunday regarding Monday. Snake Creek Bridge drawbridge in Tavernier will be locked down to marine traffic that need to utilize an opening starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday until the storm passes. State parks will be closed to visitors on Sunday and Monday.

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