Ike bears down on Cuba, South Florida prepares

For the third consecutive week a tropical storm is threatening U.S. coastal regions. This time it’s Florida residents who are being told to evacuate their homes as Hurricane Ike has its sights set on Cuba, and then possibly the Florida Keys.

On the one road out of the Florida Keys, buses now carry residents away from their homes and, they are hoping, away from danger

Florida Keys resident Marjorie Keen says “I’m not taking no chances, I dont really understand it but I am getting out of here”

But officials now worry the time to flee may be running out.

Roman Gastesi, the Monroe County Administrator, says “once tropical winds begin, you’re basically on your own, you’re on your own,“

The airport is already closed and bumper to bumper traffic is expected later today as Ike now makes its trek over Cuba, its path could soon impact the Keys.

Mayor Mario Di Gennaro says “it could become a life-threatening hurricane..we hope it’s not, we hope we’re wrong. I hope Im criticized for calling this quick evacuation, I really hope so”

So with Ike’s track still uncertain, businesses along Key West’s Duval Street boarded up, and many residents headed to higher ground.
Florida Keys resident Jim Shairer says “I’m insured, so I can just leave it and come back and pick up the pieces later.“

It is a feeling residents along the Gulf Coast know all too well and as they now pick up the pieces from Gustav it is with one eye on Ike.

With the storm expected to emerge into the Gulf later this week, Louisiana’s Governor has already declared a state of emergency and residents from Florida to Texas are now watching the keys waiting wondering where Ike will go next.