• Santa Rosa County is under a hurricane watch. A watch means hurricane force conditions are possible within 48 hours from issuance.
• Hurricane Michael is forecast to move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico Tues. and Tues. night, move inland over the Florida panhandle or Florida big bend area on Wed. as a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher), and then move northeastward across the southeastern US Wed. night and Thurs. but there is still uncertainty in the forecast and all in the cone should be prepared. For more information, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/#michael.

Actions Taken by Santa Rosa County

• Santa Rosa County Emergency Operations Center is currently at a Level 3 (monitoring) status. It will activate to a Level 2 (essential personnel) on Tues. at 7 a.m. and Level 1 (all ESFs – Emergency Support Functions) Tues. at 1 p.m.
• The Santa Rosa Commission approved a Local State of Emergency at 9 a.m. on Mon., Oct. 8. A local state of emergency allows for the county to request assistance if needed and gives staff the approval to activate emergency plans without going through a formal board approval process.
• Emergency management staff are participating in planning meetings today and will be monitoring conditions overnight.
• Public works crews have implemented their storm preparation protocol which includes fueling of equipment, stocking vehicles, placing employees on standby for after-hours road clearing, staging equipment, and clearing of culverts, grates and any known blocked drainage features.

Evacuations and shelters

• Residents of mobile homes, in campers or at campsites or in low-lying areas are recommended to evacuate. A recommended evacuation is a request for evacuation. Residents in those areas are encouraged to seek refuge on their own initiative and independently find accommodations in a safe area.
• Residents who choose to evacuate are reminded that you need not travel outside the county. It is often easier to shelter with family or friends who live outside the called evacuation zones, a hotel or a public shelter. 
• The Milton Community Center, located at 5629 Byrom Street in Milton, will open at 1 p.m. on Tues. for evacuees. This facility is pet-friendly and also equipped to accommodate those with special needs. Pet owners must stay with their pets. Those with special needs must come with their own caregiver. Pet owners and special needs residents should be registered with Santa Rosa County.  Bring the following supplies:

• Shelters are opened to ensure your safety. Remember they are crowded and usually uncomfortable. It is recommended that other arrangements be made to stay at a hotel or with a friends or family in a well-constructed home out of the evacuation area that is properly protected to withstand hurricane force winds.
• Anyone needing transportation assistance to a shelter, call (850) 983-4636. We will only provide transportation to a designated shelter.

• Santa Rosa County Offices
  • Decision will be made after the Mon. 5 p.m. briefing with the state and National Weather Service.  
• Santa Rosa Court System
  • Decision will be made after the Mon. 5 p.m. briefing with the state and National Weather Service.  
• Santa Rosa Public Schools

  • Santa Rosa County public schools will be closed a half day on Tues., Oct. 9 and full-day Wed., Oct. 10. All extra curricular activities must be completed by 5 p.m. on Tuesday. A decision regarding school-related afternoon and evening activities for Wed., and school openings for Thurs., Oct. 11, will be announced on Wed.

Sand 

• Pine Forest and Carroll in Milton
• Citrus and Leisure in Navarre
• Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze
• Pace Fire Rescue in Pace

Traffic Conditions

• Heavy rain may quickly flood low-lying areas including roads and bridges.
• Standing water creates a serious road hazard, even when only a portion of the roadway is flooded. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Dangerous road conditions can be reported to (850) 983-5372.
• Bridges will be closed by law enforcement or FDOT at the onset of sustained tropical storm force winds of 39 mph. BRIDGES ARE NOT CLOSED IN ADVANCE.
• County road and bridge closures are posted online.
• Florida road closures are available at www.fl511.com or a free phone call to 511.

• Please do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages. Power outages should be reported to Gulf Power at 1-800-GU-Power (1-800-487-6937) or Escambia River Cooperative, Inc. at 1-877-OUT-EREC (1-877-688-3732).

Reporting Damage

• Residents with storm damage can report damage online including submitting photos at www.santarosa.fl.gov or by calling (850) 983-4636.

Steps Residents Should Take Now