Florida 'to begin welcoming tourists today'

The Florida Keys is set to begin welcoming visitors today (August 20th) following the arrival of Tropical Storm Fay in the US state.

Local government ordered an evacuation of Florida residents and visitors as Fay approached land.

The storm passed over the Florida Keys on Monday (August 18th) and came back ashore in south-west Florida on Tuesday.

Damage was light, with wind speeds reaching a high of 65 miles per hour, and officials are now confident that the area can begin to return to normal today.

Mario Di Gennaro, mayor of Monroe County, said: "We have some cleanup to do and have to finish damage assessments, but I believe visitors can return to the Keys on Wednesday."

Monroe County airports manager Peter Horton added: "Key West international airport experienced rain flooding on the tarmac, but expects to resume normal operations on Wednesday morning."

While everyday life is set to resume in Florida soon, storm forecasters have said there is a possibility of Fay returning to land if it gathers strength over the Atlantic Ocean Gulf Stream.

Brits looking to visit Florida can fly to airports in Miami, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, among other locations.

Posted by Kate, 20 August 2008 10:05

News tags

• Orlando
• Miami