Three Days After Hurricane Rita, Florida Keys Welcomes Back Visitors.KEY WEST, Fla. -- Just three days after Hurricane Rita Hurricane Rita was the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Rita caused $11.3 billion in damage on the U.S. Gulf Coast in September 2005. paid 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. an unwelcome visit, visitors began returning to the island chain Friday. Tourism officials counsel visitors to check with lodging facilities in 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, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West to ensure operational status prior to traveling to the Keys. The vast majority of properties are in a full-service mode. Post-Rita visitors' information and phone numbers for Keys chambers of commerce can be found on the Florida Keys tourism council's Web site or by calling 1-800-FLA-KEYS. "We're breathing easier," said Matt Strahan, meteorologist-in-charge of the National Weather Service's Key West office. "Monday, we were looking at a high probability of having to contend with Category 2 (96-110 mph) or maybe even Category 3 (111-130 mph) conditions over Key West." But impacts felt were in the Category 1 range, with highest sustained winds approaching minimal hurricane strength of 74 mph, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. weather forecasters. Monroe County Tourist Development Council Director Harold Wheeler said members of the tourism industry - like all the residents in the Keys - were relieved Rita did not do more damage. "We are extremely fortunate to have been impacted only by Category 1 winds," Wheeler said. "Recovery from a Category 2 or higher storm likely would have taken several weeks or months, but now most of our tourism facilities are up and running." Assessments of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway -- the major road that connects the Keys to mainland Florida -- found the road and bridges to be undamaged by the storm. The major problems from Rita, for several tourism-related businesses, were caused by tidal surge, flooding a number of low-lying areas in the Keys. But when the storm moved away from the Keys, standing water began to recede re·cede 1 intr.v. re·ced·ed, re·ced·ing, re·cedes 1. To move back or away from a limit, point, or mark: waited for the floodwaters to recede. 2. . There are no reports of significant structural damage to buildings. Florida Keys electric utility officials report power restoration was completed early Friday. Key West International Airport and 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. are open for commercial and general aviation respectively. The Port of Key West is to reopen Saturday with cruise ships returning Sunday. Portions of Everglades National Park are open while Fort Jefferson, in the Dry Tortugas National Park Dry Tortugas National Park: see under Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas National Park National park located on the Dry Tortugas islands, southwestern Florida, U.S. The islands are situated at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West, Fla. west of Key West, is scheduled to reopen to visitors Saturday. |
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