Post-Irma

Thank you to everyone who inquired about the status of KML staff and the lab.  It means a lot to everyone to know that others are concerned and we appreciate your notes of concern and support.  On the people side, everyone and their families and loved ones are safe and sound.  Personal property suffered minor to major damage but all are back in the Keys in safe housing whether permanent or temporary. 

sand dunes along US 1 returning to Long Key post-Irma

As you may know, Hurricane Irma hit the Keys from the ocean-side as a strong Category 4 on Sunday September 10th, with the eye passing over between Marathon and Key West. On Long Key, sustained winds of 97 mph, with gusts to 141 mph, were recorded. The storm surge passed through KML, flooding some ground-floor buildings with up to 12" of water, and moving lots of gravel around the property.

temporary security fencing

High winds caused some damage to roofs, especially the Bay House. All the vessels came through the storm with only minor damage and are fully operational. The Seawater Systems appear to be fine and even the shade structure over the new system was undamaged! Once we have full power throughout the property, we can determine if the systems are operational.

The R/V Mola and R/V Opah right where we left them!

washed out gravel

receding waters on shop floor

salvaging tools and cleaning out the shop

The lab was professionally assessed for damages and safety within five days after Irma passed. Wash-out of US 1 at mile marker 74 delayed entry.
Once Overseas Highway (US 1) was safely passable and power was restored to Long Key and deemed safe, KML staff returned to the lab (28 September) to begin clean up.  Power has been selectively restored to the Admin building,  Marina building, and Bay House only.  Both floors of the Admin building (including dorms), the ground floor of the marine building (shop, laundry room, dive locker), and the Bay House (with the exception of bedrooms until water-damaged ceilings can be repaired) have been determined to be habitable. 

some damage to Bay House roof

The Bay House roof was damaged and will need to be repaired. We are currently working to restore power to the Science and Dry Lab/Classroom buildings so remediation from water damage can proceed.  Because the sea water system power is through the Dry Lab/Classroom buildings, we don’t yet know if the system was damaged. We are currently lining up contractors to expedite repairs.  All in all, the lab did well and we hope to be fully operational in a few months. 

Seawater Well system looks in good shape

Because the Admin building is fully functional now, as are all vessels, we are partially operational and hope to be able to host our first academic group as planned the week of Oct. 16! 

October 5th full moon brought King High tides to the marina basin

boats safely sprung off the seawall

Our first group of student volunteers, who will stay in the Admin dorm, are expected next week.  We will be working with them to continue to clean up the grounds, sea water tanks, shallows, etc.  If you or you have students or others who are interested in coming to the lab to help with our restoration efforts, please let me know and I am happy to work with you and would love to have you at the lab!

Thank you again for those of you who reached out to us.  We hope you and yours are safe and sustained little or no damage from Irma.  Please stay in touch.  If we can do anything to help you, don’t hesitate to ask. Operations manager, Lisa Tipsword, will continue to have up-to-date information on our progress