Florida Keys residents prepare for Hurricane Irma

ISLAMORADA, Fla. (WSVN) — As Hurricane Irma’s cone of concern began to encompass South Florida, residents in Monroe County began to take steps to prepare for what has the potential to be a devastating storm.

In the Upper Keys, locals aren’t taking any chances. Islamorada resident Brad Johnson said his mind is made up.

“I’m going to see what’s coming. If it’s coming, I’m leaving,” said Johnson. “I’m not stupid, either.”

Johnson seemed to be surrounded by other smart residents at a Shell station in Islamorada, Monday afternoon. 7News cameras captured a woman filling several canisters with gas, just in case the storm hits.

“Harvey has made everybody think that they’d better get ready,” said area resident Bert Solares.

Meanwhile, other Keys residents prepared their boats.

Monday night, it was business as usual along Duval Street in Key West, as Labor Day weekend was winding down. However, residents and tourists told 7News they are paying attention to Irma updates.

Local artist Jeff Pecoo said he has a lot on his mind. “I’m so scared that I started paying attention to that storm, because if that storm comes, the business is dead,” he said.

“It’s kind of scary after what happened in Houston, of course,” said tourist Ray Alonso. “People are being a lot more aware of what the consequences can be.”

With one way in and one way out of the Keys, emergency managers encouraged residents to prepare now, and then stay informed as they wait.

“People know what they’re doing, and they’re safe,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “They understand the weather very well. We’re down here, and one of the things of living in paradise is to have to deal with this every now and then. We understand that this is just one of the costs of living in paradise.”

And for residents like Johnson, when the time is right, living in paradise means knowing when to leave. “You all can float and part all you want to, but I ain’t going to be here,” he said.

As for Pecoo, he’s trying to focus on the best-case scenario. “We don’t want a big storm. Don’t talk about a big storm,” he told a 7News reporter. “Stop using that word.”

The Monroe County Emergency Operation Center will officially open Tuesday at noon. Officials said initial tourist evacuations could happen as early as Wednesday. They will then work on an evacuation plan for residents.

Officials said they will attempt to give residents at least 48 hours notice to help alleviate traffic backups.

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