Highway, boat ramps busy for holiday weekend

Traffic throughout the Florida Keys — on and off the water — is expected to be heavy during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be on the roadways watching for impaired and unsafe drivers. Don’t pass in no-passing zones or in center turn lanes, which could result in being ticketed. If planning to drive anywhere in or out of the county, plan extra time and expect delays from the 18-Mile Stretch to Key West at the beginning and end of the holiday weekend.

The Sheriff’s Office will have extra deputies on the water to keep mariners safe. Be patient and courteous at sandbars, other gathering areas, and especially at marinas and boat ramps as they are expected to be busy.

Other law enforcement agencies, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are expected to increase patrols and personnel during the holiday.

As a reminder to resident and visitors, discard trash properly; failure to do so could result in littering charges.