News Release

South Florida National Parks report status after Hurricane Helene

Dry Tortugas National temporarily closes Garden Key and Loggerhead Key.

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Everglades and Dry Tortugas: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023
Contact: Biscayne: Ted Firkins, 786-335-3630
Contact: Big Cypress: Scott Pardue, 239-695-1107

UPDATED - On 9/29, Garden Key reopens; ferry and seaplane tours resume. Loggerhead Key remains closed until further notice. 

Following the passing of Hurricane Helene, visitors to the South Florida National Parks and Preserve should continue to exercise caution with the potential for unidentified hazards on land and in park waters. Marine waters continue to be open in all locations, but parks are still assessing missing or damaged aids to navigation. Closures or special conditions are available on each park’s website under Alerts. 

Dry Tortugas National Park sustained impacts from storm surge. As conditions permit, staff will begin to assess damage and facilities. Garden and Loggerhead Key is closed, including Fort Jefferson, the campground, main dock and visitor courtesy slips on Garden Key. Ferry and seaplane service will be suspended until Garden Key reopens. Vessels may continue to seek safe harbor within the one nautical mile anchoring zone around Garden Key, including Bird Key Harbor. No services are available.

Everglades National Park is open, but some services may be limited. Services at Flamingo will resume later today. Boaters should take precautions in park waters as there may be marine debris, derelict vessels and missing aids to navigation. These Everglades areas remain closed:

• Gulf Coast Visitor Center and Everglades City entrance (under construction until Fall 2025)
• Long Pine Key campground (closed seasonally)

For guided tours and services, visitors should call or check individual websites for more information. Links can be found on the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm

Biscayne National Park is open for regular business. These areas include:  

• Convoy Point Grounds  
• Dante Fascell Visitor Center  
• Park Headquarters 
• Florida National Parks Association bookstore 

Biscayne National Park Institute tours will resume limited operations on Friday afternoon. All morning programs and all daylong programs were cancelled for Sept. 27. However, afternoon paddling programs and Heritage of Biscayne Cruise out of the Dante Fascell Visitor Center will proceed as scheduled.

Big Cypress National Preserve is open for regular business.


For more information about Biscayne National Park, visit nps.gov/bisc or follow the park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

For more information about Everglades National Park, visit nps.gov/ever or follow the park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For more information about Dry Tortugas National Park, visit nps.gov/drto or follow the park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

For more information about Big Cypress National Preserve, visit nps.gov/bicy or follow the preserve on Facebook or Instagram.