Has Key West recovered from the hurricane?
Five months after a major hurricane narrowly missed Key West, the island has no major damage and is as scenic and fun as ever. Five months have now passed since Hurricane Irma, a major category 4 storm, struck the Florida Keys.
Was Key West damaged in the hurricane?
On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma impacted Key West. A last minute wobble in this storm’s track to the north limited damage in Key West. The most severe damage occurred further north in the islands of the middle-Keys.
What body of water is Smathers Beach Key West?
the Atlantic Ocean
At almost a mile long, Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest public beach. It’s on the south side of our island, and it takes you right by the Atlantic Ocean along State Road A1A, starting at mile zero. Its mainly sandy shoreline makes it a favorite for families.
Do hurricanes hit the Keys?
Since the mid-1800s, hurricanes have affected the Florida Keys in each of the six months that make up the hurricane season. However, truth be told, over 70% of all hurricanes that have swept through or near the Keys have occurred during the two months of September and October.
Where is the best place to watch the sunrise in Key West Florida?
Local beaches on the east side of the island like Smathers Beach and Higgs Memorial Beach are great spots to layout and see the sun creep into the horizon. Another great option is piers, including Edward B. Knight Pier and Higgs Beach Pier. Avoid the crowds and heat by visiting Southernmost Point at sunrise.
Does Smathers Beach have clear water?
Smathers is a great beach for families, with clear and calm waters. And young people love it for its volleyball nets. It’s a beach where you can do pretty much everything- swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. There are also plenty of food vendors.
How common are hurricanes in Key West?
True hurricane-force winds are rare, even in the Florida Keys, an especially hurricane-prone region, historically. An examination of hurricane tracks over the last century and a half indicates that the center of a hurricane passes within 125 nautical miles of the Keys, on average about once every two and a half years.
Where is Smathers Beach in Key West?
Smathers Beach is at the south/western end of the island close to the Key West Airport. It is a nice sandy beach and very blue water: clear, for snorkeling and swimming. The reef is real close here and can be accessed from the shore!
Why are there no waves on the beach in Key West?
First, there are no waves because of the reefs offshore. Second, the land around key west is super duper shallow. You can go 100 feet out from shore and it’s still only 3 feet deep. Also, Key West has sea grass beds close to shore that are essential fish and wildlife habitat.
Is there parking at Smathers Beach?
As one of the four beaches within the City, Smathers Beach is one of the largest and is well known by visitors during spring break. Smathers Beach hosts approximately 150,000 patrons annually. Residential permits are valid for 4 hours, one time per day. No overnight parking.
What is it like to live in Key West?
Second, the land around key west is super duper shallow. You can go 100 feet out from shore and it’s still only 3 feet deep. Also, Key West has sea grass beds close to shore that are essential fish and wildlife habitat. What this means, is that there’s tons of grass and loose seaweeds all over the place.