Middle Keys Reopen To Residents After Hurricane Irma

MIAMI, FL — Layton, Key Colony Beach and Marathon — all part of the middle Florida Keys — reopened for residents who evacuated the islands during Hurricane Irma to return on Saturday, Monroe County officials announced.

Key West residents and those who live on the lower Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge will be permitted to return on Sunday. Residents of the upper keys were allowed to return earlier in the week.

"The region is not open to visitors, and returnees should be aware of the continued lack of electricity, water, communications challenges, sewer challenges, limited food and drinking water supplies and debris on roads," officials said in a press release. "Returnees should bring plenty of supplies with them."

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People returning to their homes will be expected to present re-entry stickers or IDs verifying their residence.

There will be a robust law enforcement presence on the lower Keys, officials said.

West of mile marker 80, a curfew between dusk and dawn remains in place. On the upper Keys, the curfew extends from 10 p.m. to sunrise.

"A lot of work has been done to restore power, water, sewer and medical services to much of the Keys. There remain areas that have suffered massive damage," officials said.

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