Florida Keys receiving help from across the state after Irma

KEY WEST, Fla. (FOX 13) - There are many helpful hands from outside the Florida Keys assisting in its recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma.

The state saw most of the devastation in the Florida Keys, where Irma made landfall in Cudjoe Key. Residents have begun cleaning up and recovering since Monroe County officials allowed them to return to their homes. Governor Rick Scott said they hope to have the Keys open to tourists by October 1.

Until then, they have seen an outpouring of support. Law enforcement and fire rescue agencies across the state have stayed to help with the clean-up efforts and organizations have stopped in to donate their own goods and services.

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Among them were Senator Anitere Flores, Ford Motor Company, and the NHL hockey team, The Florida Panthers, who stopped by to donate goods along U.S. Highway 1. Residents driving through were paid a visit by the team mascot, Stanley C. Panther.

Monroe County BOCC shared a video depicting their visit. Their post said, “You won’t find much ice in the Florida Keys, but ice hockey has made its way to the island chain in the form of donations.”