Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Activation Information
The EOC is operating at Level 2
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Resolution Lifting Evacuation Orders (Residents) |
| ROE Agreement for Gated Communities | Executive Order - State of Emergency | Evacuation orders (Visitors) |
Report Storm Damage at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8ce4fbeca4a34dc58a12d40bdd4866f1
NEW imagery Post Isaias Assessment App
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Oct. 16- 12:41 p.m.
IMPORTANT Disaster Relief and Assistance. Please share with anyone that may need this information.
• 211 Florida — Connects individuals and families with local resources for food, housing, healthcare, mental health services, utility assistance, disaster support, and other essential needs.
• Samaritan's Purse: 833-747-1234 — Providing free property cleanup assistance, including chainsaw work, debris removal, flood cleanup, and roof tarping.
FLORIDA BAPTIST DISASTER RELIEF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CONTACTS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Florida Baptist Disaster Relief Hillcrest Baptist Church, Pensacola – FBDR/TSA Kitchen Address: 800 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32514 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 904-253-0502 Text Isaias to 850-972-2224 for an online form to request assistance.
Online request form: Hurricane Isaias - Request for Work Assistance (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4PTFmhb0BXzYpMVWe9s3gxn8gdJ_1SBdeXfN5uztvUUNmxw/viewform) Scan Code for Assistance. Once the link shows on your device, press the link to go to the form.
MyOkaloosa.com
Oct. 16- 9:35 a.m.
👍Need help after the
storm? Okaloosa County has Muilti-Agency Resource Centers at two locations.
*Bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information & other official documentation related to your disaster-related losses to ensure you receive the appropriate assistance.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center - 1250 Miracle
Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
10/14-10/24
Hours are 0700-1900; except for on 10/14, which is 1300-1900
Crestview Community Center - 1446 Commerce Dr, Crestview, FL 32539
10/14-10/24
Hours are 0700-1900; except for on 10/14, which is 1300-1900
List of organizations that will be present at the MARC:
• BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies)
• 211 Northwest Florida
• Northwest Florida Health Network
• Center for Independent Living
• Legal Services of North Florida
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Agency For Persons With Disabilities
• Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Department of Children and Families
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Elder Affairs
• United States Veterans Association
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Oct. 15- 3:05 p.m.
Reminder: ℹ Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) are open for individuals impacted by Hurricane Isaias. See below for hours of operation and locations.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (https://www.floridadisaster.org/Updates) in collaboration with the Okaloosa County EOC, is opening two Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) for individuals impacted by Hurricane Isaias.
-Request assistance for individuals, families & businesses from nonprofit & state partners for food, water, housing, recovery services & more. Meet with representatives from state agencies to inquire about storm recovery resources & services from storm clean-up to emotional support.
*Bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information & other official documentation related to your disaster-related losses to ensure you receive the appropriate assistance.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center - 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
10/14-10/24
Hours are 0700-1900; except for on 10/14, which is 1300-1900
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Crestview Community Center - 1446 Commerce Dr, Crestview, FL 32539
10/14-10/24
Hours are 0700-1900; except for on 10/14, which is 1300-1900
List of organizations that will be present at the MARC:
• BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies)
• 211 Northwest Florida
• Northwest Florida Health Network
• Center for Independent Living
• Legal Services of North Florida
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Agency For Persons With Disabilities
• Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Department of Children and Families
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Elder Affairs
• United States Veterans Association
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Oct. 15 10:00 a.m.
As Okaloosa County recovers from Hurricane Isaias, we encourage residents with damage to report it via this link: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8ce4fbeca4a34dc58a12d40bdd4866f1 Reporting storm damage allows for support in the form of federal and state funding to flow to our community._______________
Oct 15 7:24 a.m.
Weather update from Pat Maddox, Okaloosa County Public Safety Director
Along with the passing cold front, some windy conditions will be present:
- Friday night, West winds 5 to 10MPH, 10-15MPH after midnight with gusts to 35MPH.
- Saturday: North wind 10 to 15MPH with gusts to 30MPH, Saturday night same static values with gusts to 25MPH.
- Sunday: East wind to 15MPH, gusts to 25MPH.
Hanging tree limbs can become dislodged and cause a hazard while working in your yard to clean up debris, or fall on your home, vehicle ,etc.
Blue tarps which are not firmly secured can blow off, causing significant inconvenience, particularly if these were secured by a volunteer organization. We will attempt to spin them back up if we experience any failures.
Thank you all for your continuous support during our combined response to, and recovery from, Hurricane Isaias. We will update further if conditions are forecast to change.
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Curbside Debris Removal Information for Gated Communities.
Curbside debris removal will begin Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, for residents in unincorporated Okaloosa County.
Gated subdivisions or subdivisions with manned security access will only be serviced if the Homeowner Association has provided a signed Right of Entry Agreement (ROE Agreement).
Wet signatures from the Homeowner Association are not necessary and electronic signatures are acceptable.
Please send completed ROE Agreements to Marciana Kip at mkipp@myokaloosa.com
Download ROE agreement here: https://bit.ly/4s1grhb
12 p.m. - Oct 13
Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) to open for individuals impacted by Hurricane Isaias.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management, in collaboration with the County EOC, is opening two Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) for individuals impacted by Hurricane Isaias. Their locations and hours are below
MARCs support several government and non-governmental agencies with public-facing resources to support recovery needs. These include financial assistance, volunteer resources, potentially tarps / muck outs and more. The MARC will be open to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits seeking assistance.
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center - 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
- 10/14-10/24
- Hours are 0700-1900; except for on 10/14, which is 1300-1900
- Crestview Community Center - 1446 Commerce Dr, Crestview, FL 32539
- 10/14-10/24
- Hours are 0700-1900; except for on 10/14, which is 1300-1900
List of organizations that will be present at the MARC:
• BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies)
• 211 Northwest Florida
• Northwest Florida Health Network
• Center for Independent Living
• Legal Services of North Florida
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Agency For Persons With Disabilities
• Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Department of Children and Families
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Elder Affairs
• United State Veterans Association
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5 p.m. a.m. Oct. 12 - Storm Debris Removal Information for Private communities.
For information about removal of disaster debris from Hurricane Isaias, we have included an important document you can download here: https://bit.ly/47PJkDB
This is from the Okaloosa County, FL Code of Ordinances
MyOkaloosa.com
10 a.m. Oct. 12 - North Okaloosa POD locations to open at 1 p.m.
Okaloosa County will open Points of Distribution (POD) at the following locations in north Okaloosa County from 1-3:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. A limited supply of tarps, bottled water and MREs will be available for north Okaloosa County residents who still do not have power.
- Baker Park - 1450 Charlie Day Road, Baker
- Garden City Park - 6330 Garden City Road, Crestview
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12 p.m.- Oct 11
Okaloosa County Lifts Evacuation Orders
(Okaloosa County, Florida) – Okaloosa County has lifted the evacuation orders for residents in Zones A and B, and visitors previously identified in evacuation orders, which include Okaloosa Island and coastal areas in Niceville, Destin, and Fort Walton. Conditions have improved to allow safe travel in the affected evacuation areas.
Residents and visitors should remain cautious while moving through neighborhoods to avoid downed power lines and existing debris.
“We appreciate the hard work and planning of our Emergency Management team and the recovery response from our utilities and first responders,“ said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “We are fortunate to have a community that comes together in these challenging times. Okaloosa County will continue to step up to the needs of our residents who will be working through the recovery process.”
Report storm damage via our online portal at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8ce4fbeca4a34dc58a12d40bdd4866f1
11 a.m - Oct 11
Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin and Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox welcomed Congressman Jimmy Patronis, Senator Rick Scott, State Rep. T. Patt Maney and FPL CEO Scott Bores to the Emergency Operations Center in Niceville for a briefing on the recovery from Hurricane Isaias. Thanks for your support
10:15 a.m.
OKALOOSA ISLAND WATER SERVICE ALERT
UPDATE 9:26 am - Oct 11
The north Okaloosa POD location will be at 1445 Commerce Dr, Crestview, FL 32539 - The Crestview Public Library from 1-5p.m.
Sunday-Oct. 11-2026- 8:00 a.m.
Okaloosa County will be opening a Point of Distribution (POD) from 1-5 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in north Okaloosa County. A location will be announced shortly. Bottles of water, tarps and Meals-Ready-To-Eat MREs will be available.
This POD is for North Okaloosa residents. South Okaloosa County residents are encouraged to utilize the stores that have reopened since the passing of the storm.
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Sunday-Oct. 11, 2026 - 7:52 a.m.
Hurricane Isaias: Okaloosa County to Begin Debris Removal
Okaloosa County, Florida – Okaloosa County will begin storm-related debris removal for unincorporated residents this week. The removal will take place with two separate pickup periods.
The first pickup period will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Residents should place storm-related debris on the curb unbagged (debris must be visible for pickup crews). The second removal date will be determined and announced to residents following the first pickup.
***Do not place items in a plastic bag***
Storm debris information call center (opening Oct. 12 from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.)
1-833-495-3664
Debris items include:
· Vegetative (tree limbs, branches, leaves) 8-10 ft in length.
· Other storm-related debris (water-damaged drywall, furniture, etc.)- No Electronics
***Residents living within the municipalities should contact their city-/town for information on debris removal in these areas.***
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IMPORTANT:
· Place material away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, power boxes, water, meters, parked vehicles, etc.
· Do not mix storm debris garbage with regular garbage.
· For routine garbage service-related questions, call 850-301-2822
· Questions related to storm debris: call 1-833-495-3664
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7 pm Oct 10 EOC operating at Level 2
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6:30 pm
Look who stopped by the Emergency Operations Center to show their support. Florida Senator Jay Trumbull and Congressman Byron Donalds and Congressman Jimmy Patronis showed their support during our recovery operations.
6 p.m Oct 10
The Baker Transfer Station on Charlie Day Road, the South County Transfer Station at 630 Transit Way, and the Wright Landfill at 1671 N. Beale extension will be open on Monday, October 12.
5:20 pm - Oct 10
The Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is OPEN, effective immediately.
Let’s get back to flying!
4:08 pm Oct 10
River levels are forecast to rise in Okaloosa County. County Road 393 is already experiencing flooding at the Shoal River Bridge and Pond Creek Bridge. The road is not passable in these locations. Please monitor river levels at https://www.weather.gov/serfc/
3:45 p.m. Oct 10
We are grateful to Governor DeSantis and his team at the state level for supporting recovery efforts following the impacts of Hurricane Isaias. Okaloosa County Commissioners, Sheriff Eric Aden and other Emergency personnel were on hand at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island on Saturday to greet the Governor.
2:52 p.m. - Oct. 10
🤝Point of Distribution (POD) Update: There is currently one point of distribution site in the County at the Destin Fort Walton Rigdon Center (formerly NWF Fairgrounds) for water, MRE meals, and roof tarps for County residents. This site will close at 4 p.m. on Oct. 10.
9a.m.-Oct 10
Okaloosa Island residents: The Water and Sewer service remains cut off as of Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 at 7:45 a.m. We will deliver updates to residents via reverse calling and social media.
Saturday 7:45 a.m - Oct 10
Please keep your space and stay out of the way as emergency responders complete their work.Do not play in puddles near downed power lines.Do not drive over, walk over, or touch downed power linesTrees are heavy and may not fall the way you want.Do not cut trees that are resting on power lines.
Oct. 9 - TROPICAL UPDATE: 11 p.m.
Numerous downed trees and power lines are being reported along with flooded roadways, including flooding on Santa Rosa Boulevard and U.S. Highway 98 in downtown Fort Walton Beach.
****This is a message from Okaloosa County Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox.****
Most of the heavy precipitation has cleared our area south of I-10. Some lingering precipitation in the North end and some gusty winds linger.
We’re receiving reports of flooding on Santa Rosa Blvd and downtown FWB.
No bridges are reported as closed at this time, but I don’t recommend venturing out in the dark.
Power lines and downed trees are difficult to see at night in low light. Downed lines can quickly energize standing water if surges occur.
Do not try to drive through standing water- concrete underneath can be eroded or absent under the water.
Report Storm Damage at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8ce4fbeca4a34dc58a12d40bdd4866f1
Hurricane Isaias: Points of Distribution (POD) Locations to Open
Oct 9 1:30 p.m.
🌀 These photos were taken late Friday morning. Conditions continue to worsen as Hurricane Isaias makes its way to our area. We expect significant impacts from this storm. Be sure to have multiple ways to stay informed, charge your batteries, make sure you have enough food and water for 72 hours.
Oct. 9 12:30 p.m.
Tropical Update from Okaloosa Public Safety, National Weather Service (weather.gov/mob) and the National Hurricane Center (hurricanes.gov)
There is a possibility that Isaias may remain a Cat 3 hurricane at landfall. This is an academic change only as the change was sub-10 MPH. Storm surge is still 7-9 feet; rain is 6-8” in the Western portion of the county, 4-6” on the east side of the county.
Exact impact location could alter these numbers, as always. Our planning assumptions have accounted for all of these variables.
Timing is fairly consistent at this point. Tropical Storm Force winds are just off-shore and we’ll feel them by 2PM at the coast. Strong Tropical Storm Force winds at 7PM, Hurricane force winds 9PM. The tropical wind field appears to clear the area by 6AM.
Reminder: Bridges close at 40MPH sustained winds- this is a DOT decision and executed by FHP. This is not a County decision and we can’t tell you when that’s going to happen.
We will post the notification on the County webpage, myokaloosa.com and the Facebook page when available.
The center of MAJOR Hurricane Isaias is expected to reach the northwest Florida coast tonight
● Impacts are expected for a large portion of south Alabama and northwest Florida.
● Significant impacts are likely:
● Hurricane-force winds - near the center, along with an expansive tropical storm force wind field
● Life-threatening storm surge - areas along and east of where the center makes landfall
● Dangerous beach conditions
● Life-threatening flash flooding - especially over coastal counties
● Tornadoes - areas east of the center
ct. 9, 9 a.m.
Okaloosa Island Drinking Water and Sewage Lift Stations to Shut Off Beginning at 12 p.m. Oct. 9
(Okaloosa County, Florida) – Okaloosa County Water & Sewer will begin shutting off multiple drinking water mains and sewage lift stations starting at 12 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, on Okaloosa Island, which has been under a mandatory evacuation order since Oct. 8. Storm surge from Hurricane Isaias is forecast to be 7-9 feet and would cause a complete loss of the water and sewer system if it is not turned off ahead of the storm.
Please make preparations now by securing personal water supply and filling bathtubs (for flushing toilets). Shutting these systems down early will allow the County to restore water and sewer service as soon as possible after the storm.
Oct. 9 6:30 a.m.
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Oct. 8 3:30 p.m.
The Destin- Fort Walton Rigdon Center is being staged for recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias landfall.
Shelter information
Two shelters will open on Thursday, October 9, 2026 evening, 6PM, to receive evacuating residents of Okaloosa County. (More may open at a later time depending on need.)
❖ Davidson Middle School 6261 Old Bethel Rd, Crestview, FL 32536 (General Population, Special Needs and Pet-friendly).
- Animals will be kept onsite but owners will not be able to visit with the animals to avoid injuries
- Special needs individuals must register ahead of time at https://okaloosa.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-andresponse/special-needs-shelter-spns/
❖ The Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College 100 E College Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578
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11 am Oct. 8
10:30 am Oct. 8
9:30 am Oct. 8, 2026
Evacuation maps>>https://bit.ly/OkaloosaEvacuationZones
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6 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 7, 2026
Baker Equestrian Center Stables Open to Okaloosa County Residents5 p.m Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
Okaloosa County Declares State of Emergency, Evacuation Orders, Shelter Information Ahead of Hurricane Isaias
(Okaloosa County, Florida) – Okaloosa County has declared a local state of emergency as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, under authority granted by the County’s Emergency Management Ordinance and the Board of County Commissioners ahead of expected local impacts resulting from Hurricane Isaias.
A local state of emergency will be in effect for seven days unless rescinded or extended as allowed by Florida law. The emergency declaration gives the County Administrator and emergency managers the ability to quickly take certain actions to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community, and provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.
“We take disaster preparedness and response seriously in Okaloosa County and want to make sure every individual has the resources they need to keep themselves and their family safe,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “I encourage everyone to have multiple ways to stay informed and listen to your emergency officials and trusted news sources.”
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Activation
The EOC is activated at Level 2 as of Wednesday at 12 p.m. and will move toward Level 1 with more manpower and resources beginning Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at 7 a.m.
Evacuations
Tourism: Okaloosa County is asking all out-of-town visitors to evacuate from the forecast area of impacts beginning Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. Please take this advice seriously and heed the warning of this very serious storm threat. Visitors with questions about their reservation should reach out to their related reservation service.
Okaloosa residents (Zones A and B): A mandatory evacuation (Active 12 p.m. Thursday, Oct 8, 2026) has been ordered for residents living in the coastal areas of Zones A and B. This includes residents living on Okaloosa Island, portions of coastal Fort Walton Beach, portions of coastal Destin, portions of coastal Mary Esther and Niceville. Please look up your address at https://myokaloosa.com/gis_ps, click the search button and you will be able to view your zone designation and an option to view a map. You can also view an interactive map with routes and shelter information here. Residents should take this storm seriously and evacuate if located in Zones A and B. Do not wait until the last moment to enter the roadways. Plan early, execute early to mitigate avoidable slowdowns.
Shelters opening
It is highly recommended that other arrangements be made with a friend or relative who lives in a well-constructed home outside of the evacuation area and properly protected to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Two shelters will open on Thursday evening, 6PM, to receive evacuating residents of Okaloosa County. (More may open at a later time depending on need.)
v Davidson Middle School 6261 Old Bethel Rd, Crestview, FL 32536 (General Population, Special Needs and Pet-friendly).
- Animals will be kept onsite but owners will not be able to visit with the animals to avoid injuries
- Special needs individuals must register ahead of time at https://okaloosa.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/special-needs-shelter-spns/
v The Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College 100 E College Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578
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· Clothes · Rain gear · Toiletries · Sleeping bag · Identification · Prescriptions · Entertainment (with chargers) · Special dietary needs · Insurance cards |
DO NOT BRING: · Weapons · Alcohol/Illegal drugs |
Sandbags
Sandbags are now available in Okaloosa County. You will find self-service sand and sandbags available at the following locations while supplies last:
· Stillwell Park, 710 Essex Rd., Ft. Walton Beach, FL. 32547
· Public Works North, 1759 S Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536
Continue to monitor hurricanes.gov for the latest and stock up your hurricane preparedness kit. Sign up for emergency alerts and download the hurricane guide (where you will find a list of hurricane preparedness supplies) at alertokaloosa.com.
Alert Okaloosa
It is important to have multiple ways to receive information during an emergency. Alert Okaloosa is one way residents can receive communications. Sign up to receive emergency notifications via the County’s alert system at AlertOkaloosa.com. You may also sign up by texting "OKALOOSAFL" to 888777.
Closures
Okaloosa Airports (VPS, DTS, CEW)
Due to potential impacts from the oncoming severe weather, all Okaloosa County Airports will close Thursday, October 8th at 9:00 P.M. No aircraft operations will be permitted past 9:00 P.M., and the airport terminal or airport properties will not be available as shelter area.
Okaloosa County offices
Based on discussions with our Emergency Management team and the NWS, our plan is to close County offices on Friday 10/9/26, after completion of the workday tomorrow, Thursday 10/8/26. We intend to stay open tomorrow to accomplish all the front-end prep necessary before landfall of the storm late Friday or early Saturday. Should the pace of the storm increase, resulting in dangerous impacts earlier than predicted, we may consider closing offices after midday tomorrow. This will only happen if conditions deteriorate sooner than expected.
Additional information
· Okaloosa County maintains a complete online resource, including the Hurricane Guide, at https://myokaloosa.com/ps/emergency-management.
· In the event of an emergency and if the Emergency Operations Center Activates, up-to-date information can be found at myokaloosa.com/eoc/home.
· You can also stay up-to-date via traditional social media by following our Facebook page facebook.com/OkaloosaCounty.
3:08 p.m. Wednesday. Oct 7, 2026
If evacuation orders are given, do you know if you are in an evacuation zone? Type in your address and view the map. Zone letters typically follow storm category numbers. (Example: A- Category 1, B-Category 2, C-Category 3, etc.). Check your zone>> https://myokaloosa.com/gis_PS
11:30 P.M.
When do bridges close during a storm? When winds are SUSTAINED (continuous) at 40mph, FHP and local law enforcement will determine whether a bridge is to be closed. Now is the time to prepare. Review your plans with your family and go through your disaster supply kits.