OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Mandatory evacuations are underway in portions of Okaloosa County as officials prepare to open emergency shelters, close airports and suspend several public services ahead of Hurricane Isaias.
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The mandatory evacuation order took effect at noon Thursday, Oct. 8, for residents in evacuation Zones A and B, including Okaloosa Island and portions of coastal Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Mary Esther and Niceville, according to Okaloosa County officials.
Residents unsure whether their homes are in the evacuation area are encouraged to check the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s interactive evacuation map.
County officials directed residents to the state-operated map after heavy demand overwhelmed the county’s interactive evacuation map.
Visitors to Okaloosa County were asked to begin evacuating Wednesday evening, ahead of the mandatory evacuation order for residents.
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Okaloosa County declared a local state of emergency effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. The declaration remains in effect for seven days unless rescinded or extended.
The county activated its Emergency Operations Center at Level 2 on Wednesday and plans to move to Level 1 at 7 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, bringing additional personnel and resources into the emergency response.
“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.”
Two emergency shelters are scheduled to open at 6 p.m. Thursday for residents evacuating ahead of the storm.
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The shelters are located at Davidson Middle School, 6261 Old Bethel Road in Crestview, and Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College, 100 E. College Blvd. in Niceville.
Davidson Middle School will serve the general population, people with special needs, and residents bringing pets. Animals will be housed on-site, but owners will not be permitted to visit them to avoid injuries.
Residents requiring special-needs shelter accommodations must register in advance through the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County.
County officials recommend that residents stay with friends or relatives outside evacuation areas whenever possible, provided those homes are adequately protected against hurricane-force winds.
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Residents using emergency shelters should bring clothing, rain gear, toiletries, sleeping bags, identification, prescription medications, insurance cards, entertainment and chargers, and any special dietary supplies. Weapons, alcohol, and illegal drugs are prohibited.
The county also announced several closures and service interruptions as preparations continue.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, Destin Executive Airport and Bob Sikes Airport are scheduled to close to aircraft operations at 9 p.m. Thursday. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport will remain closed until further notice, and airport terminals and properties will not be available for shelter.
Okaloosa County government offices and courthouses will be closed Friday, Oct. 9. County-maintained parks are scheduled to close Thursday afternoon.
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The Okaloosa County School District has canceled classes Thursday and Friday. Okaloosa County Transit will suspend scheduled operations Friday and resume service when conditions are safe. Transit personnel and resources will remain available for emergency transportation requests when conditions permit.
Waste Management has suspended garbage and recycling collection services for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10. Regular service is scheduled to resume Monday, Oct. 12. Customers should secure garbage and recycling carts until collection resumes.
The South Transfer Station, Baker Transfer Station, and Wright Landfill will also be closed Friday and Saturday and will reopen Monday. The county’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 80 Ready Ave. in Fort Walton Beach will reopen Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Residents within city limits should check with their municipal governments for information about local sanitation services.
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Self-service sand and sandbags remain available, while supplies last, at 714 Essex Road in Fort Walton Beach and 1759 S. Ferdon Blvd. in Crestview.
County officials said sand supplies at the south Okaloosa location were being depleted quickly but would be replenished. Residents are asked to take only what they need.
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Residents who experience storm damage can submit reports through the county’s online storm damage reporting system.
The county encourages residents to have multiple ways to receive emergency information. Residents can register by texting OKALOOSAFL to 888777 to receive emergency notifications.
Additional emergency information, evacuation updates, and public notices are available through the county’s Emergency Operations Center information page and its official Facebook page. Residents are encouraged to monitor official announcements as conditions and emergency operations change.
