With the lifting of the Tropical Storm Watch related to Hurricane Irene, Biscayne National Park has reopened all park facilities to the public. The park's islands (including Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, and Adams Key) were closed to the public on Wednesday.
After suffering severe damage in 1992's Hurricane Andrew, the park implemented a detailed plan for adequately protecting life and property, while at the same time taking into account employee's needs to prepare their own homes and families. The plan has been fine-tuned at every approaching storm, and currently calls for preparations to begin at 72 hours before potential landfall. These preparations include not only securing and shuttering buildings, but also removing the park's entire fleet of boats (over 25 vessels) to an inland location.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
