SIESTA KEY, Fla. (SNNTV) — Businesses were notified that visitors weren’t welcome on Siesta Key Island until all debris is cleared from sidewalks, roads and shoulders

Crews are trying to complete the cleanup, but there’s no timetableforn when it will be done as tourist season begins.

A letter sent out by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce said that the safety of everyone is the obvious concern, but it is just another effect from the two hurricanes.

”We live and die by tourism and visitors,” said Sean Anderson, owner of Crescent Beach Market. “I mean, we’ve got a lot of local support, but it’s super important that we get those visitors back on the key.”

The county and FEMA seem to be going as fast as they can, but the trail of wreckage is almost unfathomable.

“If there’s not clear, clear communication about when things are going to be open, when the tourists are going to be allowed to come in or promote it to come in, it’s hard to plan,” said Tana Anderson, owner of Crescent Beach Market. “We’re trying to do ordering right now, but we order perishable goods.”

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Chair Eric Fleming understands the frustration. He is a resident and a business owner, but this is uncharted water everyone is trying to navigate. Health and safety have to be at a premium.

“We’ve got a lot of yard debris and trash being picked up. We just want people to exercise caution, but we do want to encourage people to come on out,” said Fleming. “We’re open for business. We’ve got a lot of businesses that are already open. It’s a challenging time for the Key, but an exciting time.”

“It seems there is some ambiguity there,” said Sean Anderson. ” I just feel that many of us are open, we want people to know we are all opening, but there needs to be a sense of urgency from the county.”

Obviously, this is for safety’s sake. However, it’s just another blow to the businesses and the population trying to get back to normal.

The Chamber released this message Wednesday:

“We are pleased to report that quite a few businesses on Siesta Key, including many of the beloved restaurants and bars, have already reopened with many more in the process of opening in the coming days and weeks.  We encourage visitors and locals to come support these businesses.  However, we do need to remind everyone that Siesta Key is in the process of recovery and debris removal, therefore extra caution should be taken visiting the Key.  For an evolving list of businesses that are open please visit www.siestakeychamber.com.“