Selfie-snappers, prolific picture takers, take note: Key West’s colorful buoy is back

Tourists rejoice.

Key West's iconic yellow, black and red buoy is back in business and brighter than ever.

On Monday, Key West Mayor Craig Cates said Key West’s Southernmost Point marker — which was damaged last month by Hurricane Irma — is freshly plastered, painted and ready for pictures. Original artist Danny Acosta, along with Henry DelValle, on Monday completed the lettering including 90 miles to Cuba.

“It was an important part of our recovery to have that repaired,” said Cates, noting it is one of the most photographed spots in the Keys. “I’ve never seen it damaged like that before.”

While Key West did not take the brunt of Hurricane Irma Sept. 10, her wrath did hit the Keys’ tourism industry hard.

Cates said the focus is on helping the rest of the Keys recover. The Category 4 storm made landfall on Cudjoe Key, about 20 miles north of Key West.

“Most of the people who work in Key West live in areas that were destroyed,” he said. “It is important that we all work together.”

This story was originally published October 23, 2017 at 8:59 PM with the headline "Selfie-snappers, prolific picture takers, take note: Key West’s colorful buoy is back."