Okaloosa County declares state of emergency

/ holtnews

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla., Oct. 7, 2026—Okaloosa County has declared a local state of emergency as of 5 p.m. today 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A local state of emergency will be in effect for seven days unless rescinded or extended as allowed by Florida law.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 activation

The EOC is activated at Level 2 as of as of noon today and will move toward Level 1 with more manpower and resources beginning Friday at 7 a.m.

Evacuations

Okaloosa County is asking all out-of-town visitors to evacuate from the forecast areas of impact beginning at 8 p.m. this evening. The county is asking tourists to 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.

There is a mandatory evacuation for Okaloosa residents living in coastal areas of Zones A and B beginning at noon tomorrow. This includes residents on Okaloosa Island, portions of coastal Fort Walton Beach, portions of coastal Destin, portions of coastal Mary Esther and Niceville. 

Residents can look up their address at https://myokaloosa.com/gis_ps, click the search button and view their zone designation.  There is also an interactive map with routes and shelter information.  Residents should take this storm seriously and evacuate if located in Zones A and B. 

County officials warn not to 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 at 6 p.m. tomorrow to receive evacuating residents of Okaloosa County.

Davidson Middle School, 6261 Old Bethel Rd, Crestview – general population, special needs, pet-friendly

The Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College, 100 E College Blvd, Niceville

What to bring

  • 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. Self-service sand and sandbags are available at the following locations while supplies last:

  • Stillwell Park, 710 Essex Rd., Fort Walton Beach
  • Public Works North, 1759 S Ferdon Boulevard, Crestview

For closures see the related story, “Area closures due to weather.”

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. Or sign up by texting “OKALOOSAFL” to 888777. 

Additional information

Okaloosa County release

Leave a comment