Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
SO WHAT BECAME OF KEYS LANDMARKS?
You loved them, and they loved you back: Welcoming you for a weekend respite after a hard week at work, or even just a day-trip head break. They provided a cool drink, a spectacular view, someone else to do the cooking. They treated you well. So how did that nasty Irma treat your favorite spots in the Keys? Find out on Page
After Hurricane Irma’s devastating strike in the Florida Keys, first thoughts went toward the well-being of those who lost homes, livelihoods, boats and possessions.
Then came more selfish thoughts: What about the hideaways, touristy spots, restaurants and resorts stretched throughout the chain of islands that belonged to all of us? The No Name Pub and all those dollar bills that visitors stapled to its ceilings and walls. Robbie’s Marina, where families have stopped to feed tarpon for decades. Tiki bars where we sipped rumrunners and pina coladas on weekend getaways. What survived? What was destroyed?
With access to the Middle and Lower Keys still restricted and phone and Internet service compromised, damage information has been sketchy. But satellite imagery taken after the storm by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has provided clues. Overall most Keys landmarks and large structures seemed to survive intact, but the reality on the ground might be different.
It might be days or weeks until we get more complete answers about damage and reopening dates, but here’s what we know.