In an effort to limit exposure to coronavirus in the Florida Keys, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is implementing southbound traffic stops (mile marker 112.5 on U.S. Highway 1 and Card Sound Road) to restrict access to the Florida Keys and to reinforce the island chain’s closure to visitors and non-residents.

Only residents, property owners, and those actively involved in work in the Florida Keys will be admitted, including fuel tankers, delivery, and grocery trucks.

Key West, always a maverick, is taking the coronavirus lockdown seriously. The Southernmost city is eerily quiet, especially since last Sunday’s shutdown of all hotels and guesthouses in the entire Florida Keys.

Unlike the aftermath of a hurricane, however, all essential services are still running. Electricity, water, stocked grocery stores, gas stations, etc. aren’t missing a beat.

As Jimmy Buffet would remind us, “The Weather Is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful.”

P.S. In the Age of Coronavirus: a Homemade Throat Sanitizer.

P.P.S. If you can’t find hand-sanitizer, you can make your own.