Official updates
Posts from county, city, utility, police, and fire agencies in the last week, plus local news coverage, checked every 30 minutes. Each one links to the original.
Latest official updates
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Pensacola Oct. 13 recovery update: boil water areas, debris pickup, closures
ECUA lifted the boil water notice for most of mainland Escambia, but sections of Springhill Drive, Valley Drive, McCutchen Place, and Piedmont Road must still boil water. Debris collection began Tuesday with 40 DNJ trucks; separate vegetative from construction debris, do not bag it, and keep piles clear of roadways. City offices and permitting open for walk-ins Wednesday, Oct. 14; several community centers, Osceola Golf Course, and all city parks remain closed.
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ECUA Lifts Boil Water Notices for Most of Escambia Mainland, Perdido Key; Some Addresses Still Under Notice
ECUA has lifted precautionary boil water notices for most of mainland Escambia County and all of Perdido Key, but some addresses remain under notice and will be notified by door hanger. Verify your specific address is cleared before resuming normal tap water use, discard ice made during the notice, and call ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 with questions.
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CHELCO Hurricane Isaias restoration update: fewer than 2,000 without power
As of 4:45 PM Tuesday, Oct. 13, fewer than 2,000 CHELCO members remain without power after Hurricane Isaias. Restoration is nearing completion. Members can report outages or check the outage map on CHELCO's website.
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Insurance Assistance Hubs open to help file storm damage claims
The Department of Financial Services is hosting Insurance Assistance Hubs where representatives from major insurance carriers and the Division of Consumer Services help Floridians file storm damage claims. If you cannot visit a hub, call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236). Specific hub locations and dates were not listed in the update.
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Escambia County Hurricane Isaias Update #10, Oct 13
Escambia County posted its latest Hurricane Isaias update on Oct 13, 2026. The Citizen Info Line at 850-471-6600 is open. Residents can call 911 for emergencies, 866-966-7226 to report price gouging, or 1-877-693-5236 for the Insurance Consumer Helpline.
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Okaloosa curbside debris removal begins Oct 14; gated communities need ROE
Curbside debris removal starts Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026, for unincorporated Okaloosa County residents. Gated or security-access subdivisions will only be serviced if the HOA submits a signed Right of Entry Agreement (electronic signatures accepted) to mkipp@myokaloosa.com.
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Destin hurricane debris collection begins Thursday, October 15
Citywide debris collection in Destin starts Thursday, October 15, with the initial pass taking about 17 days and a second pass to follow. Residents should separate vegetative debris from construction and demolition debris and place it curbside without blocking roads, sidewalks, or drainage. Questions can go to Destin Public Works at 850-837-6869.
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Crestview: debris pickup, MARC, PODs, and disaster relief help
DRC Emergency Services begins curbside yard debris pickup in Crestview on Wednesday, October 14 at 7 a.m.; keep debris under 10 feet, cut longer pieces, and pile it 4 feet from the roadway away from hydrants and utility boxes. A Multi-Agency Resource Center opens at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, October 14 from 1 to 7 pm and daily 7 am to 7 pm October 15 through 24. North Okaloosa PODs at Baker Park and Garden City Park offer tarps, water, and MREs from 1 to 3:30 pm Monday, October 12.
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Free hurricane relief supply drive-thru in Molino Oct 14, volunteers needed
Vet Church hosts a free drive-thru distribution of bottled water, MREs, hygiene kits, and essentials on Wednesday, October 14 starting at 10:30 AM at The Chapel in Molino, 6954 Nicholson Rd. Items are first-come, first-served while supplies last; stay in your vehicle. Volunteers should arrive at 9:30 AM, no registration needed. Questions: Pastor Timothy Chandler, 850-390-9342.
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DOH-Okaloosa urges public to avoid beaches and pools after Hurricane Isaias
The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County advises residents and visitors not to swim at beaches or in pools due to waterborne illness risk after Hurricane Isaias. Coastal waters should be avoided until bacterial testing shows acceptable levels; results will be posted at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches. Public pools must be approved for opening by DOH-Okaloosa, and debris on beaches should not be handled without proper safety equipment.
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Multi-Agency Resource Centers open Oct 14-24 for Hurricane Isaias recovery
Two Multi-Agency Resource Centers open Oct 14-24, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (Oct 14 opens at 1 p.m.) for individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits seeking storm recovery assistance. Locations: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Dr, Crestview. Bring ID, proof of residence, insurance information, and other documentation of disaster-related losses.
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Free Community Meal Distribution Tonight at Jernigan's Landing in Milton
The Jack Brewer Foundation will hand out 1,000 free prepared meals tonight, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. at Jernigan's Landing in Milton. Limit of four meals per vehicle, first come first served while supplies last. Enter via Canal Street, then Pine Street, then Willing Street.
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Milton utility update: report water or gas outages; boil water notice in effect
The City of Milton has restored water service to much of the city, but customers still without water or natural gas should call 850-983-5400 to report outages. A precautionary boil water notice remains in effect until further notice and may be lifted as early as October 14 or 15 pending water quality tests. Continue boiling water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth until the notice is officially lifted.
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Fort Walton Beach post-storm update: services reopening, debris pickup underway
City of Fort Walton Beach facilities are reopening as of Monday, Oct. 12, though some parks, the Preston Hood Athletic Complex, and the golf courses remain closed. Trash and recycling resumed normal schedules Oct. 12, and DRC Emergency Services will collect curbside yard waste and storm debris for the next 2-3 weeks; pile items loosely, unbagged, in separate vegetative and construction piles. No water shutoffs or late fees during recovery; customer service is at the Recreation Center, 132 Jet Drive NW.
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Molino hurricane relief resources start Oct 14 at Cross Faith Church
Starting Tuesday, October 14 at 9 AM, hurricane relief resources will be available at Cross Faith Church, 5701 Highway 29 N, Molino, while supplies last. Offerings include shower pods, bathrooms, charging stations, MREs, bottled water, hygiene kits, and cleaning supplies. All North Escambia residents are welcome.
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Insurance Assistance Hubs open in Pensacola and Destin for Isaias claims
The Florida Department of Financial Services has opened Insurance Assistance Hubs where policyholders can meet directly with insurance company representatives about storm-related claims. The Pensacola hub at UWF (11000 University Parkway, Parking Lot B) runs October 13 and following days, 9 AM to 4 PM. The Destin hub at Morgan Sports Complex (4200 Indian Bayou Trail) opened October 12 and following days, 9 AM to 4 PM.
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ECUA Lifts Boil Water Notice for Most of Mainland Escambia, Perdido Key; Some Addresses Remain
As of October 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM, ECUA lifted the precautionary boil water notice for most of mainland Escambia County and all of Perdido Key. Pensacola Beach remains under the notice, expected to be lifted by Wednesday pending water quality confirmation. Specific mainland addresses listed by ECUA must continue boiling water until notified via door hanger that the notice is lifted for their location.
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ECUA lifts boil water notice for most of mainland Escambia County and Perdido Key
On October 13, 2026, ECUA lifted the precautionary boil water notice for most of mainland Escambia County, including Perdido Key. Pensacola Beach remains under the notice, expected to be lifted by Wednesday pending water quality confirmation. Some listed mainland addresses remain under the notice and must keep boiling water until notified via door hanger.
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Escambia County Hurricane Isaias Feeding Sites Oct. 13
Escambia County has feeding sites open Tuesday, Oct. 13 for residents affected by Hurricane Isaias. Salvation Army boxed lunches are served around noon and hot dinners around 5:30 p.m., first-come first-served while supplies last. Times may vary due to road conditions.
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Destin: 60-day permit exemption for storm-damaged fence and dock repairs
Effective October 13, 2026, the City of Destin allows storm-damaged fence and dock repairs without a building permit for 60 days. Repairs must be board-for-board replacement in the same location, with no relocation or expansion, and the original structure must have been built under a valid permit. Questions can be directed to the Building Division at (850) 654-1119.
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ECUA lifts boil water notice for most of mainland Escambia County
ECUA has lifted the precautionary boil water notice for most of mainland Escambia County, including Perdido Key. Pensacola Beach remains under the notice, expected to be lifted by Wednesday pending water quality confirmation. Some listed mainland addresses must continue boiling water until ECUA announces the notice is lifted for their location.
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Milton City Council meeting cancelled Oct 13 for hurricane recovery
The City of Milton cancelled its regularly scheduled City Council meeting for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, so staff can focus on Hurricane Isaias recovery. Work continues on restoring services, coordinating disaster assistance, and clearing storm debris. Residents can contact the city at 850-983-5400.
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Escambia County schools closed through Friday
Escambia County School District is closed through Friday, Oct 16, 2026, with no reopening date set as damage assessments continue. The superintendent will announce the reopening decision.
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FWB Police arrest man impersonating a police officer
On October 12, 2026, Fort Walton Beach Police arrested Nicholas O'Bryant, 39, for falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer while working armed security at The Home Depot. He was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail. Residents unsure whether someone is a legitimate officer can call FWB Police at (850) 833-9546 to verify.
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Destin: Report Hurricane Isaias Damage; Avoid Contractor and Insurance Scams
The City of Destin urges residents and property owners to report Hurricane Isaias damage through Okaloosa County's online storm damage reporting portal, including photos when possible. Residents are also warned to verify contractors before repairs and report suspected fraud. Contractor licenses can be checked at www.MyFloridaLicense.com or by calling the City's Community Development Office at 850-654-1119 (Option 2).
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City of Pensacola 8 p.m. Oct. 12 Hurricane Isaias Recovery Update
City offices fully open to the public Wednesday, Oct. 14; storm debris collection begins Tuesday, Oct. 13 with vegetative debris separated from building materials and not bagged. The ECUA systemwide boil water notice remains in effect, expected to lift Tuesday, Oct. 13 for mainland customers and Wednesday, Oct. 14 for Pensacola Beach. Pensacola 311 phone lines are down; use the city website portal, chat, or email 311@cityofpensacola.com for nonemergency issues.
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Free hurricane cleanup buckets Oct 13 at Lowe's in Ensley, Gulf Breeze, Milton
Lowe's is giving away free hurricane cleanup buckets starting at 10 AM on October 13 at its Ensley, Gulf Breeze, and Milton locations. Each bucket includes sponges, flashlights, bottled water, trash bags, goggles, and hand sanitizer. A total of 240 buckets will be distributed.
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USPS suspends mail delivery and retail operations in Northwest Florida ZIP codes
USPS has temporarily suspended mail delivery and retail operations across 60 ZIP codes in Northwest Florida due to Hurricane Isaias, effective immediately. Affected areas include Pensacola, Cantonment, Molino, Milton, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, and surrounding communities in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. There are no alternate sites available; check the affected ZIP code list to see if your area is impacted.
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Mary Esther: 11 of 13 Lift Stations Back on Power, Keep Conserving Water
As of 5 p.m. Monday, 11 of 13 sewer lift stations are back on FPL power and vacuum trucks are pumping down stations in the Oleander and Sleepy Hollow area. Water is safe to use with no boil water notice, but keep conserving until the City announces normal use can resume. Curbside debris pickup is expected to begin mid-week, loose and unbagged, and the Library reopens Tuesday, October 13 at 2 p.m.
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Pensacola Oct. 13 recovery update: boil water, debris pickup, power restoration
ECUA's systemwide boil water notice remains in effect, expected to lift Tuesday Oct. 13 for mainland customers and Wednesday Oct. 14 for Pensacola Beach. City storm debris collection begins Tuesday, Oct. 13; do not bag debris and keep it out of roadways. FPL expects 70 percent restoration to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by end of Monday and essentially complete restoration by end of Tuesday.
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Pensacola Isaias recovery: boil water notice, power, debris rules
ECUA's systemwide boil water notice remains in effect for all customers; boil tap water for one minute before drinking or cooking. FPL aims to restore 95 percent of customers who can safely accept power by end of day Monday, Oct. 12. City storm debris collection begins early this week; separate vegetative debris from building materials, do not bag it, and place it curbside in the public right-of-way away from roadways.
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Escambia County Water and Tarp Distribution Sites
Water and tarps are being distributed to Escambia County residents on a first-come, first-served basis until 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at 120 Chief's Way, Cordova Mall (5100 N. 9th Ave.), and Anytime Fitness (470 S. Highway 29, Cantonment). This is a one-time emergency distribution due to boil water notices after Hurricane Isaias. Tarps may arrive at some sites later in the morning.
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Escambia County Water and Tarp Distribution Information
Escambia County residents could pick up water and tarps on a first-come, first-served basis until 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at 120 Chief's Way, Cordova Mall (5100 N. 9th Ave.), and Anytime Fitness (470 S. Highway 29, Cantonment). This was a one-time emergency distribution due to boil water notices after Hurricane Isaias. Check the City of Pensacola website or Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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ECUA Issues Systemwide Precautionary Boil Water Notice
ECUA has a systemwide precautionary boil water notice effective Oct. 9, 2026 until further notice. Bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or preparing food, or use bottled water. Continue until ECUA announces the notice is lifted.
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City of Pensacola Hurricane Isaias FAQ: debris, outages, 311, key numbers
The City of Pensacola posted a Hurricane Isaias FAQ covering road clearing, storm debris, flooding, and power outages. Report nonemergency issues like blocked roads or flooded streets via Pensacola 311 (call 311 or the 311 webpage); report power outages and downed lines to FPL at 1-800-468-8243 or 911. The Escambia County Citizen Information Line is 850-471-6600, and Friday garbage collection was postponed to Monday, October 12.
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From local news
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Water service restored to most areas in Milton, but boil water notice remains
City of Milton water service has been restored to most areas after Hurricane Isaias, but the precautionary boil water notice remains in effect until further notice. The notice could be lifted as early as October 14 or 15 pending two rounds of water quality testing; keep boiling water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth until then. Customers still without water or natural gas service should call (850) 983-5400 to report outages.
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Escambia County reports $64 million in Hurricane Isaias damage costs
Escambia County has completed its initial Hurricane Isaias damage assessment, reporting approximately $64 million in costs. The assessment covers facilities, buildings, equipment, parks, roads, bridges and emergency response expenses.
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Okaloosa health officials advise to avoid beaches and pools until water testing is safe
The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County urges residents to avoid beaches, coastal waters, and pools after Hurricane Isaias due to increased bacteria and water-borne illness risk. Swimming is not recommended until bacterial testing shows acceptable levels; testing begins as soon as conditions are safe. Public pools must be approved for opening by DOH-Okaloosa and be fully functional before use.
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Gull Point Community Center stays closed after hurricane damage; Pensacola seeks new site
Gull Point Community Center on Spanish Trail in Pensacola remains closed due to severe roof damage from Hurricane Isaias, along with East Pensacola Heights community center. The city is in final stages of finding an alternate location for Gull Point's afterschool programming, which serves 65 children, and hopes to announce a temporary site this week.
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WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeSantis gives Hurricane Isaias recovery updates in Jay
Gov. Ron DeSantis is giving a Hurricane Isaias recovery briefing at the Jay Community Center in Santa Rosa County, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. The briefing is being streamed live by WEAR ABC 3.
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Santa Rosa schools closed until Monday; volleyball district tournaments proceed
Santa Rosa County schools will not reopen until Monday, Oct 19, due to Hurricane Isaias damage. District volleyball tournaments are the only exception and may proceed this week; no other sports are allowed until schools reopen.
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Santa Rosa schools to reopen Oct. 19, delayed from Oct. 14
The Santa Rosa County School Board voted 5-0 on Oct. 13 to delay reopening schools to Oct. 19, scrapping the Oct. 14 plan. Schools without power or water, including Milton High, Avalon Middle, Bennett C. Russell Elementary, and Jay Elementary, will not open until restored. Officials said the delay lets families and teachers continue recovering from Hurricane Isaias.
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Escambia County expects up to 4-month debris cleanup, with multiple rounds planned
Escambia County debris pickup began Monday evening, ahead of the planned Wednesday start, and is expected to take three to four months with multiple rounds. Crews are collecting vegetated debris only, not appliances or furniture, and are working the north and south ends of the county with hundreds of units expected by week's end. Debris amounts will be tracked for FEMA reimbursement, and residents are cautioned against paying unlicensed workers.
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Holley-Navarre Water System urges sparing sewer use as lift stations lack power
Holley-Navarre Water System says its wells are in good condition, but wastewater lift stations remain without power and crews are working with FPL to restore it. Members should limit showers, laundry, dishwashing, and other wastewater-generating activities to reduce the risk of sewage backups into homes. Water or wastewater emergencies can be reported to HNWS at 850-939-2427, though response times may be affected by conditions.
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United Way of West Florida activates recovery fund following Hurricane Isaias
United Way of West Florida has activated the UWWF Recovery Fund to support Hurricane Isaias relief in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, distributing donations through local organizations. Donations can be made online, with separate links for Escambia/Santa Rosa and Okaloosa/Walton counties.
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Escambia County schools to remain closed until Monday
Escambia County Public Schools says schools and offices will stay closed through the rest of this week, with plans to reopen Monday, Oct. 19, barring unforeseen developments. Repairs and damage clearing are underway with help from FPL, the National Guard, FDOT, and contractors. Santa Rosa County schools also plan to reopen Monday.
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Hancock Whitney contributes $100K to Hurricane Isaias recovery via United Way
Hancock Whitney is donating $100,000 to Hurricane Isaias recovery, split equally between United Way of West Florida and United Way Emerald Coast. The funds will help connect individuals and families with essential resources and assistance as communities rebuild. Announced October 13, 2026.
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Escambia County Schools Closed Until Next Week
Escambia County Public Schools will remain closed through Friday, October 16, with students returning Monday, October 19, barring unforeseen developments. The closure allows repairs and damage mitigation across campuses. Santa Rosa County schools are also closed until Monday.
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Escambia County estimates $64 million in public damage from Hurricane Isaias
Escambia County completed its initial damage assessment, estimating about $64 million in public damages including $54.87 million for debris removal. The estimate excludes private property damage. Residents with property damage are asked to complete a Citizen Damage Report and include photos.
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Salvation Army adds more meal and water service locations in Pensacola area
The Salvation Army is serving lunch and dinner plus water at several locations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, including Wedgewood Community Center, Carver Park in Cantonment, Century Community Shelter, Milton, and Pace. Lunch only is served at the Downtown Library in Pensacola and dinner only at the Brownsville Community Center parking lot. Updates are posted at SalArmyEDS.org.
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T-Mobile to provide free Wi-Fi, device charging to Northwest Florida residents
T-Mobile is offering free Wi-Fi and device charging to all Northwest Florida residents after Hurricane Isaias, regardless of their phone provider. Locations are available in Pensacola and Navarre. Check T-Mobile's news release for exact site addresses.
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ECUA lifts Boil Water Notice for most of mainland Escambia County
ECUA lifted the precautionary boil water notice Tuesday morning, Oct 13, for most of mainland Escambia County including Perdido Key. The notice remains in effect for Pensacola Beach, expected to be lifted by Wednesday pending water quality confirmation, and for a list of specific mainland addresses that must keep boiling water until notified, some via door hanger.
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Free meal sites open Tuesday for Escambia County residents impacted by Hurricane Isaias
The Salvation Army is serving free boxed lunches around noon and hot dinners around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 at four Escambia County sites: Carver Park Resource Center in Cantonment, Century Community Shelter, Brownsville Church, and Old Ensley School Park in Pensacola. Meals are first-come, first-served while supplies last, and times may vary due to road conditions.
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Escambia crews clearing downed trees; debris pickup to start Wednesday
Escambia County crews are working to clear numerous downed trees across the county, with debris pickup expected to begin Wednesday. Residents in areas like Brownsville are urged to be patient as crews work through the backlog.
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Pickup truck hits man standing in front of Hurricane Relief staging area in Okaloosa
Around 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, a pickup truck struck a man standing in the roadway in front of the Hurricane Relief staging area entrance on State Road 4 in Okaloosa County. FHP says poor lighting at the staging area entrance kept the driver from seeing him; the man was seriously injured. Residents traveling to the staging area should use caution in the poorly lit area.
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ECUA Lifts Boil Water Notice For Most; Some Addresses Remain Under Notice
ECUA has lifted the precautionary boil water notice for most of mainland Escambia County including Perdido Key. Pensacola Beach remains under the notice, expected to be lifted by Wednesday pending water quality confirmation. A list of specific mainland addresses, including streets such as St. Regis Drive, Springhill Drive, Edendale Lane, and S. Madison Drive, must continue boiling water until ECUA announces the notice is lifted for their location.
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Escambia County: FEMA Individual Assistance Not Yet Available
Escambia County Emergency Management said Tuesday, October 13, that FEMA individual assistance is not yet available for Hurricane Isaias and that false information is circulating. No official determinations have been made on individual assistance; the county is actively working with FEMA. Residents should ignore claims that FEMA aid is open now.
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Okaloosa County schools to reopen Thursday following Hurricane Isaias
Okaloosa County schools will remain closed through Wednesday and reopen Thursday, October 15, 2026, giving families more time to recover from power and water outages and storm damage. Absences and tardies for students who evacuated or commute from impacted areas will be excused; follow your school's procedures to report them. Schools will communicate updates on extracurricular activities and after-school programs directly with families.
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FPL to serve 200 hot meals in Milton after Hurricane Isaias
FPL will serve 200 free hot meals at East Milton Park on Bobby Brown Road in Milton on Tuesday, October 13 at noon. Meals are first-come, first-served and limited to 200 people.
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FPL says 85% of customers restored after Hurricane Isaias
As of Monday at 10 p.m., FPL has restored power to more than 85% of customers impacted by Hurricane Isaias, over 380,000 outages, and expects restoration essentially complete in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by end of day Tuesday, Oct. 13. Customers without power can visit one of more than 10 FPL customer outage relief stations for ice, water, and answers. Homes with damage may need a licensed electrician to safely accept power, and eligible customers can apply for FPL's Care to Share financial assistance at FPL.com/assistance.
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