Living on an island means pristine coastal views, but it also means being highly prepared when hurricane season rolls around. If a mandatory evacuation is ever called, getting back onto the island to check on your home or business requires proper documentation.
The official City of Cedar Key Hurricane/ Disaster Re-Entry Permit is your ticket back home once local authorities deem it safe. Here is everything you need to know about the current passes, what they look like, and how to use them.
Spotting the Right Pass
As shown above, the current physical permits are bright blue hangtags designed to go right on your rearview mirror.
Key details to notice on the front of the pass:
Expiration Date: The current batch explicitly states EXPIRES December 31st, 2026. Make sure your pass is up-to-date and hasn't expired from a previous cycle.
Proper Display: When returning to the island after a storm, you must display the permit with the blue, text-side clearly visible through your vehicle's windshield so law enforcement and checkpoints can verify it instantly.
Essential Evacuation & Re-Entry Tips
The back of the placard serves as a quick-reference survival checklist. Before a storm hits and immediately after, keep these official guidelines in mind:
Before You Evacuate
Secure Your Property: Clear your yard of potential flying debris (lawn furniture, potted plants, trash cans) and brace double entry and garage doors.
Prep Your Vehicles & Watercraft: Fill your car’s gas tank and secure boats early.
Resources: Get cash. Banks and ATMs won't operate without electricity, and local stores may not be able to process credit cards or personal checks immediately following a disaster.
Supplies: Maintain at least a two-week supply of emergency items and refill vital prescriptions early.
When Re-Entering the Island
Expect Controlled Access: Access to affected areas will be strictly controlled. You will not be allowed back onto the island until search and rescue operations are complete and major safety hazards (like downed live trees and power lines) are cleared.
Be Patient: It may take 2 to 4 weeks before full utilities are completely restored to the area.
Stay Informed: Keep your radio or TV tuned to local stations for official advice, emergency medical aid, and food or water distribution details.
Stay Updated: For the most current, real-time emergency information and instructions regarding evacuations and re-entry timelines, always monitor www.levydisaster.com (as printed on the back of the pass).
If you haven't picked up your 2026 re-entry permit yet, make sure to visit City Hall so you aren't caught off guard this season!
Cedar Key City Hall is located at - 809 6th St., Cedar Key.
Call with any questions - 352-543-5132
This article was written with the assistance of Gemini, an AI assistant.
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