Okaloosa County residents ordered to evacuate coastal areas as officials prepare for possible hurricane landfall

Okaloosa County, Florida – Okaloosa County residents living near the coast face an urgent decision as Hurricane Isaias approaches. With dangerous weather expected by the end of the week, local officials have ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas and are preparing shelters for those who need somewhere safe to stay.

The preparations go well beyond warnings. Airports are closing, emergency crews are mobilizing, and county operations are being adjusted as officials prepare for possible landfall late Friday or early Saturday.

Okaloosa County declared a local state of emergency effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The declaration will remain active for seven days unless extended or canceled.

The measure allows emergency managers to respond more quickly, mobilize resources and seek federal reimbursement for eligible disaster 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 County Commission Chairman Trey Goodwin.

The county’s Emergency Operations Center entered Level 2 activation Wednesday at noon and is scheduled to move toward Level 1 at 7 a.m. Friday.

Mandatory evacuations began Thursday at noon for coastal Zones A and B, including Okaloosa Island and portions of Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Mary Esther and Niceville.

Visitors were also urged to leave the forecast impact area beginning Wednesday evening. Residents can verify their evacuation zone through the county’s interactive address lookup.

Two emergency shelters will open Thursday at 6 p.m.:

• Davidson Middle School, 6261 Old Bethel Road, Crestview, will accommodate general evacuees, registered special-needs residents and pets. Animals will be housed separately, without owner visits.
• Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College, 100 E. College Boulevard, Niceville, will also receive evacuees.

Residents with special medical needs must register in advance.

Those entering shelters should bring medications, identification, clothing, toiletries, sleeping supplies, chargers and necessary dietary items. Weapons, alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited.

Free self-service sandbags are available while supplies last at Stillwell Park, 710 Essex Road in Fort Walton Beach, and Public Works North, 1759 S. Ferdon Boulevard in Crestview.

All three county airports, VPS, DTS and CEW, are scheduled to close Thursday at 9 p.m. Airport facilities will not serve as emergency shelters.

County offices are expected to close Friday, with an earlier shutdown possible if conditions deteriorate. Officials are encouraging residents to prepare early rather than risk traveling during worsening weather.

Emergency updates are available through Alert Okaloosa, where residents can register for notifications. They can also text OKALOOSAFL to 888777 or check the county emergency information page.