Florida Keys & Key West Set to Reopen to Visitors; Fantasy Fest Rescheduled.KEY WEST, Fla. -- The Florida Keys Florida Keys, chain of coral and limestone islands and reefs, c.150 mi (240 km) long, extending from Virginia Key, S of Miami Beach, to Key West, and forming the southern extremity of Florida. are slated to reopen in two phases to visitors beginning Friday, after tourists were evacuated more than a week ago due to Hurricane Wilma Hurricane Wilma was the most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. Exceeding the 21 storms of the 1933 season, Wilma was the twenty-second storm (including the subtropical storm discovered in reanalysis), thirteenth hurricane, sixth major hurricane, and fourth . The Upper and Middle Keys, including Key Largo Key Largo, narrow island, c.30 mi (48 km) long, off S Fla., largest of the Florida Keys. Along with other Florida Keys, especially Key West, it has become an increasingly popular tourist spot, noted for its scuba diving, nightlife, and beachside resorts. , Islamorada and Marathon, can begin receiving visitors Friday. The Lower Keys and Key West are intending to accommodate guests Monday, Oct. 31. Fantasy Fest Fantasy Fest is a street party held annually on the last weekend of October in Key West, Florida. History First held in 1979, what began as primarily a gay party staged to add pep to the quiet days of October soon acquired a life of its own. , Key West's annual outrageous costuming and masking festival, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Dec. 7, through Saturday, Dec. 10, due to Hurricane Wilma's unwelcome visit to South Florida earlier this week. The theme is slightly changed to "Wilma's Freeks, Geeks and Goddesses", a testament to Key Westers' resilience and humor humor, according to ancient theory, any of four bodily fluids that determined man's health and temperament. Hippocrates postulated that an imbalance among the humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile) resulted in pain and disease, and that good health was . Visitors who have reservations should check with the property or travel professional prior to traveling to the Keys, to ensure operational status. Landscaping at some resorts has been impacted and some attractions and tourist facilities may need more time before they can accommodate visitors. Hurricane Wilma passed over the island chain on Monday morning. Although Wilma's winds left little structural damage, several residential regions were hit hard by storm surge storm surge: see under storm. , emergency management officials said. Although flooding has receded in affected areas, many residents are busy cleaning up their homes and getting their personal lives back together. The hardest hit areas seem to be in a number of residential neighborhoods from Marathon through Key West. Fortunately, many Keys hotels and visitor facilities have quickly recovered and are opening for business, which is vital to the area's tourism-based economy. Although there is still some evidence of hurricane damage, such as downed trees and other debris, tremendous progress has already been made to restore infrastructure and top priority for the cleanup is being given to tourist-oriented areas. The Overseas Highway from mainland South Florida is open and traffic is flowing without obstructions and 99 percent restoration of electricity in the Keys is expected by Friday, utility officials said. Florida Keys Marathon Airport The Florida Keys Marathon Airport (IATA: MTH, ICAO: KMTH, FAA LID: MTH) is a public airport located three miles (4.8 km) east of Marathon, in Monroe County, Florida, United States. The airport covers 190 acres and has one runway. is open to general aviation during daylight hours and Key West International Airport is expected to resume commercial air service this weekend. Key West's cruise port is set to open this weekend with the first ships arriving next Tuesday. "We've made cleanup of Duval Street Duval Street is a famous downtown commercial zoned street in Key West, Florida, running north and south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Duval Street is the location of many famous restaurants and bars, including Sloppy Joe's, The Bull and Whistle, Rick's Cafe and and other primary tourist areas in Key West a priority," said Key West City Manager Julio Avael. "Duval Street and visitor areas in Old Town are in good shape. We are doing our best to take care of the needs of our residents who have suffered, while maintaining the economic lifeblood life·blood n. 1. Blood regarded as essential for life. 2. An indispensable or vital part: Capable workers are the lifeblood of the business. of our community." For more information on the Keys, call 1-800-FLA-KEYS (352-5397) or visit www.fla-keys.com, where destination status updates are to posted regularly chronicling the status of the Florida Keys as well as a calendar of upcoming special events. |
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