Florida Keys officials began resident evacuations on the low-lying chains of islands in phases Sunday morning. Evacuations began in Key West at 8:00 AM and are continuing throughout the day. Evacuations began at Noon for the Middle Keys and late this afternoon will begin for the Upper Keys, including Key Largo.

Visitors were told to evacuate the islands on Saturday.

Monroe County Administrator says he understands it is inconvenient, but safety is the priority.

The streets of Key West were pretty empty Sunday morning, but not because of Hurricane Ike. The town stays up late and sleeps late.

The manager of one business says the town is pretty much waiting until Monday morning to see where Ike will go.