Monroe County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) officially opened on Sept. 23 at the west end of the Marathon airport. Later the same day, the $37 million facility hosted its first storm coordinating call to hear from experts at the National Weather Service Key West (NWS-KW) about the path of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 (PTC 9) and its possible effects on the Florida Keys. A tropical storm watch was issued for Monroe County as of 5 p.m. on Sept. 23.
At press time, the latest update from NWS-KW showed a strengthening Tropical Storm Helene over the northwestern Caribbean Sea. It was expected to become a hurricane on Sept. 25 as it moves north or north-northeastward over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
But the Keys could experience saltwater flooding more than 2 feet above ground level, frequent thunderous rain squalls with wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph, and flooding rainfall likely in the 3- to 6-inch range. The most likely arrival time was late afternoon and into the evening of Sept. 25
As is the case for all storms, residents and visitors are encouraged to follow storm updates and take protective actions, such as securing outdoor items and ensuring boats are secure with properly working bilge pumps. There is a potential for downed trees and sporadic power outages.
New EOC gets put to immediate use
“With facilities like the new Monroe County Emergency Operations Center, we can better lead our communities through disasters and build a more resilient Florida,” Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said from Tallahassee while prepping for PTC 9.
Monroe County was the last of Florida’s 67 counties to build a dedicated EOC. State and federal grant money funded its construction.
The facility will house:
- Monroe County Emergency Management
- Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 911 communications
- Monroe County Fire Rescue administration
“This is a major safety enhancement for our community that has been a long time in the making that will allow for continuity of services before, during and after a disaster,” Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein said. “There was a great deal of thought put into this project, and I would like to express a special appreciation to the staff and all of those involved.”
Emergency Operations Center stats:
- 28,321 square feet.
- Built to withstand 220 mph winds.
- Meets criteria for a Hurricane Shelter Safe Room, which are intended to provide near-absolute protection against wind forces and the impact of wind-borne debris, according to FEMA.
- First floor flood elevation: 20.2 ft. (17 ft. above ground).
- Can sustain and protect up to 150 people for up to 96 hours, including food, drinking water, redundant generators for electric power and wastewater storage.
- Emergency communications via redundant fiber optic network services, plus satellite phone/internet service
