Monroe County Traffic Update --Evacuations

Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Traffic Bulletin

August 17, 2008 - 1:30 p.m.



Traffic is heavy in the upper Keys

People leaving due to the approach of Tropical Storm Fay

Visitor Evacuation underway



Monroe County Sheriff's deputies patrolling in the vicinity of the Upper Florida Keys have reported a heavy volume of traffic northbound, particularly from the 70 mile marker to the 90 mile marker of Highway U. S. One due in part to a visitor evacuation order issued this morning by Monroe County Emergency Management.



Traffic is reported to be bumper to bumper, but is flowing smoothly, albeit slowly. There are no reported accidents, just lots of cars on the roadway. Deputies say many people are trailering boats out, and there are quite a number of recreational vehicles leaving as well. The toll has been lifted on Card Sound Road so those leaving have two choices on the route they can take to the mainland.



"I'm glad to see people are listening to our protective action recommendations," said Colonel Rick Ramsay. "We need for everyone to continue to monitor local media outlets for updated information in case anything changes," he said.



In the meantime, deputies are out on the roadways making sure traffic is flowing as smoothly as possible under the circumstances. The Florida Highway Patrol is also sending extra troopers into the Keys to assist with this effort.



The Sheriff's Office does not anticipate closing the highway at any point before, during or after the storm. It is highly recommended that anyone who is planning to leave the county do so as soon as possible, before the advent of the wind and rain expected Monday in the late morning hours.