As Tropical Storm Isaac approaches South Florida, Biscayne National Park has instituted a temporary shutdown in accordance with its Hurricane Plan.
Effective at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, all park islands (including Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, and Adams Key) and the mainland area at Convoy Point (9 miles east of Homestead) are closed to the public. Biscayne National Underwater Park, Inc., the park's concessioner, has discontinued boat trips and rentals. Park waters remain open for vessel transit only. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.
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 shuttering buildings and securing park property.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
