MONROE COUNTY DECLARES STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY, TOMORROW WILL BE ACTION DAY FOR DECISIONS 

MONROE COUNTY DECLARES STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY, TOMORROW WILL BE ACTION DAY FOR DECISIONS 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County has declared a State of Local Emergency today 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.”

As of the current 2 p.m. Friday weather briefing by the National Weather Service Key West, Monroe County does not plan to issue any mandatory evacuation of visitors, tourists and residents. There will be no roadblocks to prevent people from entering or leaving the Florida Keys. At this point, tourists are advised to leave if they can, and if deciding to stay, it is a personal responsibility for them to check their accommodations and make sure they are prepared for the weather.

Dorian has become a major hurricane and safety is the highest priority. Chances of sustained tropical storm force winds have increased since yesterday throughout the Florida Keys. Damaging tropical storm force winds and squalls could be expected throughout the Florida Keys on Sunday through Tuesday. There is a high possibility of coastal, prolonged, and street flooding on the bayside on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, peaking on Tuesday.

The Key West International Airport will remain open with no plans to close unless the forecast changes. Lower Keys Medical Center is fully staffed and supplied and prepared to take upper level care emergencies. Trauma Star is prepared to go longer range should the Miami trauma centers close due to the hurricane.

Sheltering will be discussed tomorrow morning for people who live in mobile homes, low laying areas, liveaboard boaters, and the homeless. More information will follow.

Emergency Management is watching for flooding and storm surge models to be released to advise residents on specific details. The County does NOT supply sandbags to residents. With our type of flooding issues, sandbags have proven to insufficient in the past.

“Today is a planning day and tomorrow will be our action day,” said Marty Senterfitt, Director of Monroe County Emergency Management. “We are prepared to move forward to protect lives and property.”

Official closures as of today include all Miami VA Health System Clinics, Monroe County School System, and College of the Florida Keys will be closed Tuesday in Monroe County.

Hurricane preparation information can be found at www.monroecountyem.com, for tourism, visit www.fla-keys.com. To get emergency information about the storm, sign up for Alert!Monroe at www.monroecountyem.com.

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