10/08/2026
Okaloosa County has declared a local state of emergency as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, 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A local state of emergency will be in effect for seven days unless rescinded or extended as allowed by Florida law.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.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Activation
The EOC is activated at Level 2 as of Wednesday at 12 p.m. and will move toward Level 1 with more manpower and resources beginning Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at 7 a.m.
Evacuations:
Okaloosa County is asking all out-of-town visitors to evacuate from the forecast area of impacts beginning Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. 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.
Okaloosa residents (Zones A and B): A mandatory evacuation (Active 12 p.m. Thursday, Oct 8, 2026) has been ordered for residents living in the coastal areas of Zones A and B. This includes residents living on Okaloosa Island, portions of coastal Fort Walton Beach, portions of coastal Destin, portions of coastal Mary Esther and Niceville. Please look up your address at https://myokaloosa.com/gis_ps, click the search button and you will be able to view your zone designation and an option to view a map. You can also view an interactive map with routes and shelter information here. Residents should take this storm seriously and evacuate if located in Zones A and B. Do not 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 on Thursday evening, 6PM, to receive evacuating residents of Okaloosa County. (More may open at a later time depending on need.)
Davidson Middle School 6261 Old Bethel Rd, Crestview, FL 32536 (General Population, Special Needs and Pet-friendly).
- Animals will be kept onsite but owners will not be able to visit with the animals to avoid injuries
- Special needs individuals must register ahead of time at https://okaloosa.floridahealth.gov/.../special-needs.../
The Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College 100 E College Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578
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
