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- 🚨 URGENT: Both Roads to the Florida Keys CLOSED Due to Wildfires – What You Need to Know
🚨 URGENT: Both Roads to the Florida Keys CLOSED Due to Wildfires – What You Need to Know
"We’ll be back to our regular Florida Keys adventures soon, but first—important travel updates."
Florida Keys Road Trip
March 20, 2025
Dear Road Trippers,
We usually bring you the best spots to visit, hidden gems, and upcoming events in the Florida Keys—but today, we need to hit pause and focus on something more urgent.
🚨 Both roads leading into the Keys—U.S. 1 (18-Mile Stretch) and Card Sound Road—are CLOSED due to ongoing wildfires.
🔥 Firefighters are battling a massive brush fire in southern Miami-Dade County, and road closures are causing major travel disruptions. If you’re currently in the Keys or planning a trip, this update is for you.
We’ll get back to our regular road trip adventures soon, but for now, here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and informed.
👇 Latest wildfire updates and travel advisories below. 👇
🚨 BREAKING UPDATE: As of Thursday afternoon, both major roads into the Florida Keys are CLOSED due to ongoing wildfires.
🚧 Card Sound Road – CLOSED for the third straight day as crews battle the flames.
🚧 The 18-Mile Stretch (U.S. 1) – CLOSED in both directions, with no estimated reopening time.
🚔 Cars are being turned around at Florida City and Key Largo. If you're trying to enter or leave the Keys, you will not be able to pass.
Here’s the latest on the wildfire situation and what you need to do to stay safe and informed.
🔥 Wildfire Status & Containment Efforts
🚒 Fire Size: 22,000+ acres burned in southeast Miami-Dade County.
🔥 Containment: Only 22% contained—firefighters are still struggling against shifting winds.
🌬️ Smoke Impact: Thick smoke is making visibility extremely dangerous for drivers.
Authorities say it remains uncertain when U.S. 1 will reopen, and fire crews are focusing on containment efforts rather than predicting road access.
🚧 Road Closures & What It Means for Travelers
The Florida Keys have only two entry points, and both are currently impassable.
❌ 18-Mile Stretch (U.S. 1):
🚧 CLOSED in both directions – No estimated reopening time.
🚗 Traffic completely blocked – Cars are being turned around at Key Largo and Florida City.
⚠️ Smoke hazards – Drivers have reported near-zero visibility in some areas.
❌ Card Sound Road:
🚧 CLOSED indefinitely – Firefighters are still actively battling flames in the area.
🚔 No through traffic allowed – Even local access is restricted.
🚦 Live Road Updates: Florida Highway Patrol
🌬️ Air Quality & Safety Warnings
🔥 Wildfire smoke is dangerous—especially for:
🚸 Children
👴 Seniors
💨 Anyone with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions
Protect Yourself from the Smoke:
✔️ Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
✔️ Use recirculated air in your car and home to reduce smoke intake.
✔️ Wear an N95 mask if you’re in a smoke-affected area.
📊 Live Air Quality Updates: airnow.gov
🗺️ Alternative Travel Plans
With no road access to or from the Keys, here’s what you can do:
✔️ If You’re in the Keys and Need to Leave:
🚨 WAIT for roads to reopen – Do not attempt to drive through closed roads.
📞 Call your airline – If you’re traveling soon, you may need to book a flight out of Key West.
🏨 Extend your stay – Hotels and resorts may be accommodating extended stays due to the fire.
✔️ If You’re Heading to the Keys Soon:
❌ DO NOT attempt to drive into the Keys – You will be turned around.
📆 Postpone your trip – Authorities do not yet have an estimate on reopening. Stay tuned to local authorities for updates.
🛫 Consider flying into Key West instead of driving.
✈️ Flights to Key West: keywestinternationalairport.com
📞 Emergency Contacts & Resources
🚦 Florida Highway Patrol (Road Closures & Live Traffic): flhsmv.gov
🚒 Monroe County Emergency Management: monroecounty-fl.gov
🔥 Florida Forest Service (Wildfire Updates): floridaforestservice.com
💨 Air Quality Monitoring: airnow.gov
🔜 Stay Tuned for Updates
We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as soon as road conditions change.
📢 Have you been affected by the wildfires? Reply to this email and share your experience. Your insights can help fellow travelers navigate this challenging situation.
Stay safe, stay informed, and we’ll keep you posted on the latest travel updates.
🚗🔥 Until next time,
Brian
Florida Keys Road Trip Team