If you’ve been to Key West before, especially in the cooler months, you’ve probably seen these small green reptiles sunning on a fence post, or maybe even on a car. But they have become quite the nuisance in Key West, tearing up and feasting on gardens and leaving droppings.

“I live it and see it every day,” Mayor Mario Di Gennaro said of their droppings. “It’s very powerful and strong and it’s not healthy.”

With the exploding number of iguanas, the Monroe County Commission passed a resolution which asks the state to “enact regulations governing the possession, distribution or release of iguanas within the state.”

State wildlife officials concede iguanas are not only a problem in Key West but across south Florida. But, they also point out that their numbers are already too high and they’re reproducing faster than the state can control them.

Some counties have already taken action. Palm Beach County listed the green beasts as a “species of concern” and in 2006, Lee County created a special taxing district to raise money to eradicate them. A new state law went into effect July 1^st that allows individuals to humanely kill iguanas. One popular method is to trap and freeze the animal.

So when you’re walking around Key West or the luscious grounds of the Tropical Inn, be on the lookout for these interesting green creatures!

Hurricane season is in full swing, with the main threat from a storm striking the Keys going from August until at least the end of September.  This should not dissuade you from planning your trip, however. Accommodations such as the Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast stay constantly updated through the assistance of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, keeping visitors informed of any advisories and evacuation orders. Chances are, your trip will not be interrupted by a hurricane, but the possibility remains. With modern technology though, tracking and predicting these storms has improved to the point to ensure losses to lives and property are kept to minimum.  

In 2004 and 2005, Emergency Management officials in the Keys and across Florida were put to the test. Several tourist evacuation notices were issued along with an advisory to others to postpone their trips until the storm threat passed. While the Keys were affected by the active 2004/05 seasons a direct landfall never occurred.

 The convenient and quaint Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast has a refund policy in the event of an evacuation order, issuing a voucher for the unused portion of your stay for a future one. If you are unable to even get to the Keys, a voucher is provided in the amount of the required deposit. While the Inn does the best they can, travel insurance is suggested.  Late August and September are some of the best times to visit the Keys though. Room rates are generally a little less since kids are back in school. Many events are also scheduled during that time of year. But, the possibility of tropical weather remains. Proper information and preparation ensures you can make a safe exit from the Keys if necessary.