A deserted island…

By
The Weekly Staff
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U.S. 1 going over Jewfish Creek. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly

Key West

Key West is typically filled with residents and visitors this time of year.

They thumb through magazines at hotel pools. They go fishing. They drink. They shop. They eat decadent meals and visit museums. They drink some more.

And that will all happen again . ..someday. Until then, stay well, Key West. 

The iconic Green Parrot Bar is typically full day and night. Not these days. CONTRIBUTED

There’s little to no traffic heading into the Florida Keys, where hotels are closed and visitors are not allowed entry. DAVID GROSS/Contributed
The city of Key West closed the Southernmost Point monument on March 17 to discourage the camera-toting crowds that typically gather at the landmark. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
The legendary Sloppy Joe’s Bar has been closed since March 17, but crews are using this time to repave Duval Street. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

 

Marathon

 

 

 

 

Upper Keys

March to April is usually a chaotic time in the Upper Keys, between spring breaks, Easter vacations and daytrippers. But that’s not the case this year with the coronavirus pandemic, which has closed the Keys to visitors for the time being. The scene’s completely changed, and busy spots are barren. Here’s what Keys Weekly captured while out this past weekend.

Betsy the lobster is begging for company, or at least posers. Located along U.S. 1 at the Rain Barrel in Islamorada, it’s the second-most photographed attraction in the Florida Keys, behind the Southernmost Point.
On any given Saturday, traffic is usually jam packed heading south on U.S. 1 through Islamorada near the Coral Shores High School, where two lanes go to one. This was the scene at about 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
The sandbar by Whale Harbor sees some activity as a helicopter hovers above on Saturday, March 28. Several law enforcement boats were in the water patrolling the channel.
The tarpon feeding is on hold for now at Robbie’s in Islamorada with the Keys closed to visitors. Robbie’s is a destination for many travelers as they travel south. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly
The Murray E. Nelson Government & Cultural Center electronic board reads, ‘We Got This! Keys Strong!’ Messages of washing hands for 20 seconds and covering coughs are also conveyed as motorists drive past the sign board. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly
Traffic on Jewfish Creek heading north and south is quiet on March 28. A checkpoint established at MM 112.5 and Card Sound Road in Key Largo has been established to keep non-county residents out to prevent community coronavirus spread. Assisting sheriff’s deputies will be personnel from incorporated municipalities and the State Attorney’s Office. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly

 

 

 

 

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