Monroe County Emergency Management - Florida Keys

22/09/2026

🌧️ Wet and Stormy Through Thursday in the Florida Keys! ⛈️

Expect heavy rain through Thursday with official rainfall forecasts between 2 to 3+ inches—and a 10% chance of seeing 4 to 5+ inches in localized areas.

⚠️ Key Impacts:
• Flooding in low-lying areas & filled storm drains
• Water ponding on roadways
• Water accumulation in boats—check your bilge pumps and drains!

🚗 Turn Around, Don't Drown: Flooding can hide canals and boat ramps. Stay safe and keep up with the latest updates at weather.gov/KeyWest.

22/09/2026

A Coastal Flood Statement is in effect because of the approaching spring tide cycle, combined with a half-foot higher-than-normal anomaly. Any heavy downpours occurring during the mid-morning hours on Wednesday could result in more street and poor drainage area flooding than what would normally occur.

Locally Heavy Rainfall Potential through Thursday

Poor drainage street, parking lot, and low-lying area flooding is possible during and shortly after any heavy downpours.

Those living and/or working in areas prone to frequent rainfall flooding should keep tuned for additional weather information throughout the week and this weekend.

A COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT IS IN EFFECT for minor saltwater flooding of low elevation streets and lots. The risk for rainfall-impacted flooding will be highest during:

Today through Thursday time frame

The hours of the higher high tide, generally around sunrise through the mid-morning hours

Potential Rainfall Amounts

The chance of rainfall exceeding 2 inches within 24 hours is expected to be as high as 1-in-3 today and about 1-in-5 tonight through Wednesday.

Total Rainfall over the next 3 days (through Friday morning, Sep. 25th) is most likely to be in the 2.5 to 4.0 inch range, with a 10 percent chance of a total in the 4.0 to 6 inch range.

17/09/2026

Olivia Larochelle, center, Regional Manager with the Office of Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and the Florida Department of Financial Services, visited Monroe County Emergency Management (MCEM) earlier this week.

During her visit, Larochelle met with Emergency Management Director Cory Schwisow and staff to learn more about MCEM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency and disaster readiness while identifying opportunities to reduce costs.

The discussion highlighted MCEM’s commitment to using public funds responsibly while maintaining the resources, planning, and partnerships needed to protect residents and visitors throughout the Florida Keys.

She is pictured here with Emergency Management’s Josh Baer and Holly Winhoven.

16/09/2026

❓ DYK? Florida has select disaster prep supplies that are tax-free ALL YEAR.

This makes it easier to save on preparedness supplies you may need before, during & after a disaster.

🛒 Take advantage of these savings to restock your kit & stay ready this hurricane season.

For more information➡️ FloridaDisaster.org/TaxFree

11/09/2026

Monroe County Emergency Management Director Cory Schwisow, who served in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years, was invited to speak today at the City of Marathon remembrance ceremony held at Station 14. He joined Marathon Mayor Lynne Thompson, City Administrator Steve Williams, and Marathon Fire Rescue Chief Shana Rogers. Schwisow recalled his time in service during 2001 and how the events of September 11th shaped his life and the lives of so many others.

He noted the “call to action” accepted by so many since then.

“It means answering the call, even when you don’t know what lays ahead,” Schwisow said. “Because the men and women of our fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, and public safety understand the same calling. They run to the fight, never away from it.”

Schwisow added that it requires us to remember what happened after 9/11: Strangers helping strangers; fire responders running toward the danger; military members standing ready to defend their country. And for a moment, despite everything that divides us, we stood united.

Following the speakers, members of the Marathon American Legion Post 154 Color Guard presented the colors and offered a 21-gun salute while “Taps” was performed in honor of those lost. About 75 people attended the ceremony.

09/09/2026

🎒 When building your disaster supply kit, don’t forget the needs of your little ones!

Along with the essentials, consider including:
🧃 Favorite snacks & drinks
🧸 Comfort items, toys & activities
💊 Medications & special needs supplies

A little extra preparation can go a long way in helping kids feel safe & comfortable when disaster strikes.

09/09/2026

🚗 Take preparedness for a ride!

Build your vehicle emergency kit with the essentials you may need if something goes wrong on the road:

🧰 Tools & Equipment
🦺 Safety Supplies
🥫 Food & Water
⚡ Backup Power
📻 Ways to Stay Connected

Don’t let an emergency put the brakes on your plans—prepare your vehicle today!

01/09/2026

‼️ September is Florida Preparedness Month! As we enter the historic peak of hurricane season, now is the time to make sure you’re ready!

Preparedness doesn’t stop once hurricane season begins—it’s a year-round commitment. 🌀

This , we’ll be sharing simple, actionable steps to help Floridians prepare their homes, families, businesses & communities for whatever comes next.

💪 STAY ready so you don’t have to GET ready!

Read more: ➡️ tinyurl.com/FLPrepMonth2026

31/08/2026

The Big Pine Key brush fire is 95 percent contained after burning approximately 35 acres. Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR), Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), and U.S. Wildland Service continue to monitor the area as conditions remain dry. U.S. Wildland Service remains in the area, and MCFR and MCSO will continue nightly patrols and routine spot checks. A brush truck also remains ready to respond if needed.

The fire began Aug. 5 and is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike. While there is currently no threat to nearby properties, the incident is a reminder of how quickly fire can develop in the dry vegetation found throughout the Lower Keys.

Residents may notice the lingering smell of burned wood within the fire area. No significant smoke activity is currently being reported.

“Residents in the area should still remain vigilant and call in any smoke or fire they may see in the area,” said MCFR Deputy Chief Mark Hemeyer. “If you see something, say something. Our fire crews would rather investigate a report than have a potential fire go unchecked.”

Forecasted moisture associated with remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly is expected to help conditions, with rain chances increasing later this week. However, vegetation remains dry, and residents and visitors are asked to remain cautious with ci******es, open flames, and other potential ignition sources.

Barring any significant change in fire activity or conditions, this will be Monroe County Emergency Management’s final update on the Big Pine Key brush fire.

30/08/2026