GULF BREEZE, Fla.,Sept. 26, 2022—Gulf Islands National Seashore closed the Florida areas of the park to all visitors in preparation for Hurricane Ian.

Closed areas include Fort Pickens, the Perdido Key area (Johnson Beach), Opal Beach and the Okaloosa area.

The Mississippi area, Naval Live Oaks area and Highway 399 remain open at this time.

Working closely with the NWS, the park will continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as necessary.

Campers in the campground were required to evacuate today.

All reservations for Fort Pickens Campground will be canceled until further notice.

“Due to potentially deteriorating conditions forecasted by the National Weather Service Office, high surf and the likelihood for significant flooding on the park roadways, the park will close the Florida areas until further notice,” said Superintendent Darrell Echols. “Our priority is to ensure the safest environment possible for park visitors and staff. The park will announce changes as appropriate, but current conditions do not allow the park to remain open.”

Gulf Islands National Seashore was created in 1971. The national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi, and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat.

Gulf Island National Seashore news release