Imagery Available: Federal, state and local agencies ensure safety, security of Florida Keys

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 09/16/2017 04:42 PM EDT

united states coast guard

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard
MIAMI
Office: 305-415-6683
786-367-7649

U.S. Coast Guard 
PUERTO RICO
Office: 787-729-2381
787-510-7923

U.S. Coast Guard
TAMPA BAY
Office: 727-535-1437 Ext. 2142, 2143
305-965-4672

U.S. Coast Guard
JACKSONVILLE
Office: 904-714-7606/7607
305-318-1864

U.S. Coast Guard 
ORLANDO
206-819-9154

Press inquiries: D7CGirmamedia@gmail.com
786-224-7996

Federal, state and local agencies ensure safety, security of Florida Keys

Coast Guard Investigators and local law enforcement check on wreckage of sailboats near Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, Sept. 15, 2017. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton’s small boat crew patrols off of Coast Guard Sector Key West, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.  Members of Port Security Unit 308, based out of Kiln Mississippi, test and equips radio comminications after arriving to Naval Air Station Key West for Hurricane Irma response efforts, Sept. 14, 2017.  Members of Port Security Unit 308, based out of Kiln Mississippi, work with several airmen to unload gear after arriving to Naval Air Station Key West for Hurricane Irma response efforts, Sept. 14, 2017. Members of Port Security Unit 308, based out of Kiln Mississippi, meet with other military leaders after arriving to Naval Air Station Key West for Hurricane Irma response efforts, Sept. 14, 2017. Members of Port Security Unit 308, based out of Kiln Mississippi, speak with airmen about unloading generators and trucks after arriving to Naval Air Station Key West for Hurricane Irma response efforts, Sept. 14, 2017. Members of Port Security Unit 308, based out of Kiln Mississippi, meet with other military leaders after arriving to Naval Air Station Key West for Hurricane Irma response efforts, Sept. 14, 2017. Members of Port Security Unit 308, based out of Kiln Mississippi, waits on a U.S. Air Force C-17 to deploy to Key West Florida for Hurricane Irma response efforts, Sept. 14, 2017.

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Coast Guard personnel are working alongside partner federal, state and local agencies in the Florida Keys to ensure the safety and security of facilities in the port.

Officer presence has been boosted in the area to protect areas of economic concern, military bases, port infrastructure, military and responding personnel, and Florida Keys citizens.

A safety zone is in place and is being enforced by patrolling personnel from the following units:

·      Coast Guard Port Security Unit 308, from Kiln, Mississippi

·      Coast Guard Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, from San Diego

·      Coast Guard Marine Safety Security Team 91114, from Miami

·      Coast Guard Stations Islamorada, Marathon and Key West

·      Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

·      U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Land based safety and security concerns are being enforced by:

·      Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

·      Key West Police Department

·      Florida Highway Patrol

“The main priorities of these teams are to provide security for responders and assessment teams and to ensure the safety of the boating public and for those citizens returning to the Keys,” said Cmdr. Lexia Littlejohn, deputy incident commander, Sector Key West Incident Command Post. “We are patrolling 24/7 with our personnel and we will take all known threats to the safety of responders and the citizens seriously.”

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-USCG-

IMPORTANT LINKS

U.S. Coast Guard Hurricane Irma Response News

FEMA Hurricane Irma Resources

Official U.S. Coast Guard Hurricane Irma video and imagery