***The EOC, together with the Sherriff, County Administrator, Marathon and Key Colony are having serious discussions on the status of opening up the Keys down to the North end of the 7-mile bridge sooner rather than later, as I reported yesterday.
***In short, all returning residents should begin to gather all supplies (including their own food, water and fuel to sustain themselves). A specific timetable is now being discussed for that re-entry. I cannot commit at this time but will update the website as soon as a decision is made. Check back tonight to see if a decision was made on the re-opening of the greater Marathon Area. There are still several factors that need addressed before a positive decision.
Cell service is functioning in KCB, generally speaking.
KCB Video/Pictures are being taken by TV88, where possible, and will be posted here as soon as they are available.
All electric meter service inspections have been made in KCB, where possible, power restoration is beginning (Pease note, many poles, wires and transformers are being repaired or replaced…. This process is SLOW)
FKAA reports a lot of service line breaks, throughout the Keys are on personal property. They are asking the EOC to allow plumbing contractors to be allowed into the Keys to repair those lines on private property. This is instrumental to keeping up water pressure throughout the Keys. Water pressure is steadily increasing in KCB. Great news! Again, water is for sanitation purposes only.
Our Sewer Plant continues to function well; however, we still have many issues to overcome.
Marathon is looking for an area to setup a FEMA/Disaster recovery center. As soon as a location is chosen. I will update the website.
Debris removal continues in KCB.
The Electric Co-op reports 60% – 65% restoration of power. However, 4,500 properties in the greater Marathon area still remain without power.
Rest assured our Mayor and Vice- Mayor are working diligently with the EOC to get what KCB needs to move forward quickly. Our staff has been exceptional and need thanked when you return and see them. Please take an opportunity to do so if you feel so inclined. Thank you.
• A new website has been established by Monroe County. The web address is www.keysrecovery.org. The information is comprehensive and growing.
• The Keys below Islamorada remain closed to the general population. .
• Stay away from all Ports, Marinas, and all nearshore waterways. It is dangerous to travel on the water with debris, down powerlines, sunken boats, etc.… FWC and the Coast Guard are on the water and are strictly enforcing their jurisdictional power. Easy answer… don’t get in a boat and come to the keys at this time.
• Fisherman’s is still closed. Mariner’s has limited emergency capability. The armed services set up a mobile hospital at the City of Marathon, City Hall.
• Curfew has changed for the upper keys to 10pm. The previous curfew in the middle and lower keys has not changed.
• Our Chief and his crew are maintaining order on the island and they will have additional manpower coming today and then again over the weekend. The additional manpower are assigned to KCB and will not be pulled from that mission.
• A Search and Rescue Team is on the island and checking door to door for any potential deaths or needed rescue. I have not received any word from that team of any problems. They are clearing the homes, street by street and placing a sticker on each home once cleared.
• Things are looking up!
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