Anyone who has ever enjoyed fishing, snorkeling, dining or sunning in the Florida Keys was likely watching weather forecasts in early September 2017 with dread. Their concerns were justified, says Judy Hull, executive director of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce.
“Most of our luxury resorts are located on the ocean, and [Hurricane] Irma was definitely an ocean event,” she says. “Our resorts suffered major wind and water damage.”
While some of the resorts might take up to a year to reopen, Hull anticipates about half the island’s lodging rooms being online when the calendar turns to 2018. “By January we should be back to normal. Every day we are making progress towards cleaning up the Keys.”
That means groups will be able to enjoy sightseeing excursions, dining, shopping, fishing and water sports. “All of these will be back to normal and just fine for 2018,” she says.
A special group of residents is already looking for visitors. “The dolphins at Theater of the Sea are missing the interaction with their fans,” Hull says. The marine mammal park, an Islamorada mainstay for more than 75 years, suffered storm damage to the landscaping but reopened in October.
Hull says that most tour groups visit Islamorada while exploring the entire chain of islands, from Key Largo to Key West. “They are typically doing one week with their final destination being Key West,” she says. “Fall is always the best bargain for visiting the Keys, and groups often schedule their tours in conjunction with an event like Fantasy Fest.”
That annual event, set for Oct. 19–28 in 2018, attracts up to 75,000 people in celebration of the Key West culture.
For further updates and information, email Judy Hull or visit islamoradachamber.com.
Top photo by Pete Bacheler
