Keys resort damaged by Hurricane Irma to reopen before Labor Day

DUCK KEY, Fla. (AP) - Nearly a year after Hurricane Irma wiped out a portion of the Florida Keys, a landmark resort plans to reopen in time for Labor Day Weekend.

The Miami Herald reports Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key has undergone a $50-million renovation in the months since Irma struck on Sept. 10. In the aftermath, the resort laid off its entire staff of about 260.

Hawks Cay plans to reopen Aug. 30. 

Spokeswoman Holly Zawyer says the resort currently employs 200 people and hopes to have 350 employees during the high season.

Hawks Cay is located northeast of Marathon. It was one of about 10 signature tourist resorts damaged by Irma. Its main hotel has 177 rooms and six restaurants.

The resort is offering a 10-percent reopening discount for stays between Sept. 3 and Oct. 31.

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