Fourth of July traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the Florida Keys — on and off the water.
• Deputies will be on the roadways watching for impaired and unsafe drivers. Don’t pass in no-passing zones or in center turn lanes as you are likely to get a ticket. If you plan to drive anywhere in or out of the county, plan extra time.
• Expect traffic delays from the 18-Mile Stretch to Key West.
• Designate a sober driver — on and off the water.
• The sheriff’s office will have extra deputies on the water to keep mariners safe. Be patient and courteous at sandbars, other gathering areas, and especially at marinas and boat ramps as they are expected to be busy.
• Leave the fireworks to professionals.
• Discard trash properly.
Have a safe and fun Fourth of July!
Upper Keys traffic note: There will be a Fourth of July parade in Key Largo that is expected to cause traffic congestion. Northbound traffic will be temporarily closed at Mile Marker 97 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. All traffic will then be diverted into southbound lanes starting at 9:45 a.m. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and will last about two hours. The highway is expected to return to normal by 1 p.m.
