This news story about the temporary closure of Dry Tortugas National Park is based on a January 1, 2023, National Park Service (NPS) press release. You can read the original release here.
UPDATE: Dry Tortugas National Park is open to all visitors again as of January 28, 2023.
In the past couple of days, about 300 Cuban migrants on their way to the United States mainland landed on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park, the National Park Service said.
In a response to this, and to take care of these people, the agency will close the park to all visitors starting on Monday, January 2.
Hundreds of Cuban Migrants Land on Dry Tortugas National Park Islands, Prompting Park Closure
“On January 2 at 8 am, Dry Tortugas National Park will temporarily close to public access while law enforcement and medical personnel evaluate, provide care for and coordinate transport to Key West for approximately 300 migrants who arrived in the park over the past couple of days,” the National Park Service said in a statement.
The closure, which is expected to last several days, is necessary for the safety of visitors and staff because of the resources and space needed to attend to the migrants. Concession-operated ferry and sea plane services are temporarily suspended.
Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, the park has recently seen an increase in people arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park.
Park first responders provide food, water and basic medical attention until the Department of Homeland Security arrives and takes the lead.
While the park is closed, vessels may seek safe harbor in the designated areas within the one nautical mile anchoring zone around Garden Key, including Bird Key Harbor.
There will be no visitor services or Dry Tortugas activities available while the closure is in effect and emergency services will be extremely limited. All closures will remain in place until further notice.
You can find current information on the park website.