The short version: check the weekly beach water report before you swim, plan for lane closures next week, and go easy on water while the drought continues. Early voting is open for the November 3 general election. Here is what happened this week and what it means if you are on island.
Seven beaches flagged for water quality
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources found seven St. Croix beaches unsafe for swimming and fishing in its latest weekly test results, The Virgin Islands Consortium reported on October 16.
What it means for you: DPNR tests beaches every week and the list changes, so check the current DPNR beach advisory before you go. As a rule of thumb, skip swimming for a day or two after heavy rain, especially near guts and drainage outfalls where runoff reaches the sea. Our guide to the best beaches near the Frederiksted pier has alternatives if your first choice is on the list.
Early voting is open for November 3
Early voting for the 2026 General Election opened on October 16, with 1,145 voters casting ballots on the first day, according to The Virgin Islands Consortium. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
What it means for you: visitors will notice campaign signs, rallies and motorcades over the next two weeks, and some traffic around polling sites. Registered voters can find early voting times and locations from the Elections System of the Virgin Islands.
Lane closures next week
The St. Croix Source published the list of anticipated lane closures on St. Croix and St. Thomas for the week of October 19.
What it means for you: if you have a flight, a ferry or a dinner booking, leave extra time, particularly on the main routes between Christiansted, the airport and Frederiksted.
The drought is still biting
St. Thomas has reached the highest drought level, with water shortages and farm losses deepening across the territory, The Virgin Islands Consortium reported on October 8. St. Croix has been in drought for months, and the governor asked for a federal disaster declaration in August.
What it means for you: most homes, villas and guest houses on St. Croix run on rainwater cisterns, so every shower counts. Keep showers short, report leaks to your host, and do not leave taps running. Buying from local farm stands and markets helps growers who are paying more for water and feed.
Divi Carina Bay closed after a generator fire
The Divi resort on St. Croix closed its hotel after a generator fire, while the casino stayed open, the St. Thomas Source reported on October 8.
What it means for you: if you have a booking there, contact the resort directly to confirm before you travel. Our places to stay page lists other options on the East End and across the island.
Cruise days in Frederiksted
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas is sailing seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises from San Juan this season with St. Croix on the itinerary, alongside St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua and Dominica, according to Cruise Industry News.
What it means for you: on ship days, Frederiksted’s waterfront, Rainbow Beach and the pier dive sites are at their busiest. If you are staying on island, those are good days to head to Christiansted or the East End instead. See our local guide to things to do.
For residents: Limetree Bay settlement deadline
St. Croix residents have until November 3 to claim compensation from nearly $60 million in Limetree Bay refinery settlements, The Virgin Islands Consortium reported. Check the claims administrator’s instructions in the original report for who qualifies and how to file.
Coming up
- Week of October 19: lane closures on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
- November 3: General Election, and the Limetree Bay claims deadline.
For daily headlines and events, see St. Croix Today.
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