DeSantis Urges Florida Panhandle Residents to Evacuate as Isaias Nears Landfall

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents in evacuation zones across the Panhandle and Big Bend to leave vulnerable areas Friday as Hurricane Isaias approached the state's northern Gulf Coast as a major Category 3 storm. Speaking at the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center in Pensacola, DeSantis warned that storm surge, flooding, tornadoes and power outages could threaten communities beyond the hurricane's landfall area.

Isaias had sustained winds near 120 mph, according to DeSantis. Forecasters anticipated landfall late Friday or early Saturday, based on the storm's track at the time, although projections indicated it could weaken before reaching the coast.

DeSantis identified storm surge as the most significant threat to human life and urged residents to prioritize evacuation orders over attempts to remain in dangerous coastal areas.

"Hide from the wind, but you run from the water," DeSantis said.

The governor urged residents in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Franklin and Gulf counties to follow local evacuation instructions. He said people did not necessarily need to travel hundreds of miles to reach safety, but should move away from low-lying locations vulnerable to rising water.

Florida officials reported that evacuation information and shelter locations were available through state emergency information services. Each county had at least one pet-friendly shelter, according to state officials.

State agencies had positioned more than 1,000 generators, 500,000 gallons of gasoline, 1 million gallons of diesel fuel, millions of meals and more than 1 million bottles of water ahead of the storm, DeSantis said.

About 16,000 utility lineworkers and support personnel were mobilized for potential power restoration. The Florida National Guard also mobilized 5,000 guardsmen, along with high-wheeled vehicles, boats and helicopters, to support emergency operations.

The Florida Department of Health had mobilized more than 100 ambulances for potential patient transportation and evacuations. DeSantis also said the Florida State Guard had deployed nearly 400 soldiers, aircraft and maritime vessels for search-and-rescue and recovery operations.

To support evacuation and emergency response efforts, the state suspended tolls on the Garcon Point Bridge in Santa Rosa County, the Spence Parkway and the Mid-Bay Bridge in Okaloosa County.

DeSantis advised residents planning to remain at home to prepare enough fuel, water, nonperishable food, medications and other essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. He also warned drivers against entering flooded roads and cautioned electric vehicle owners about parking in areas vulnerable to saltwater flooding because of fire risks.

State officials said residents needing transportation assistance to selected shelters could receive rides through Uber, with assistance of up to $40 each way using a designated promotional code.