City of Destin announces hurricane relief centers with daily assistance for residents and businesses
Destin, Florida – For residents dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, the challenges do not end when the storm passes. Damaged properties, unexpected expenses, and the need for cleanup assistance can make recovery difficult, especially for families and businesses trying to return to their normal routines.
Now, additional help is becoming available in Okaloosa County. The City of Destin has shared important information about two temporary assistance centers where people affected by the hurricane can connect with organizations offering recovery resources, financial support, and other services.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management, working alongside the Okaloosa County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), is opening two Multi-Agency Resource Centers, commonly known as MARCs. Both locations will operate from October 14 through October 24, giving storm-affected residents and organizations several days to seek assistance.
Unlike assistance programs that focus on a single service, these centers bring together multiple government agencies and nonprofit organizations in one location. The goal is to make recovery resources more accessible to people facing different challenges after the hurricane.
Services available through the centers include financial assistance, volunteer support, and potentially help with temporary roof coverings, commonly called tarps, and muck-out work to remove storm-related debris and damaged materials.
The assistance is not limited to homeowners. Individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations affected by Hurricane Isaias are also welcome to visit the centers and explore available resources.
One location is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, at 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
The second center is at the Crestview Community Center, located at 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview, FL 32539.
Both centers opened on October 14, with special opening-day hours of 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Beginning October 15, the centers are scheduled to operate daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. through October 24.
For Destin residents, the Fort Walton Beach location provides a nearby option for obtaining information and connecting with organizations involved in hurricane recovery.
Officials have identified several forms of potential assistance, although the availability of specific services may depend on individual circumstances and available resources.
Residents seeking additional information about Florida’s emergency response and recovery efforts can visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s official updates page.
With both centers scheduled to close after October 24, those who need assistance have a limited period to visit and learn which recovery services may be available to them.
