Home / Disasters and Accidents / Okaloosa County Orders Coastal Evacuations as Storm Intensifies
Okaloosa County Orders Coastal Evacuations as Storm Intensifies
8 Oct
Summary
- Visitors evacuated starting Oct. 7; mandatory orders for coastal residents begin Oct. 8.
- Two shelters, including one pet-friendly option, open on Oct. 8.
- Okaloosa County public schools closed Oct. 8 and 9 due to the storm.
Okaloosa County is issuing evacuation orders as Tropical Storm Isaias is projected to strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall in the Florida Panhandle. Visitors were initially asked to leave the impact area starting the evening of Oct. 7. A mandatory evacuation for residents in coastal Zones A and B is scheduled to begin at noon on Oct. 8.
The evacuation order affects areas including Okaloosa Island and parts of Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Mary Esther, and Niceville. Residents can check their evacuation zone online. County officials emphasize the importance of leaving early to avoid traffic congestion.
Two public shelters are set to open at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8: Davidson Middle School in Crestview, which is general population, special needs, and pet-friendly, and The Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. Individuals with special needs must register in advance.
In preparation for the storm, Okaloosa County declared a local state of emergency effective Oct. 7. This declaration enables swift action to protect public safety and allows the county to seek federal reimbursement. Consequently, Okaloosa County public schools will be closed on Oct. 8 and 9.
