Walton County expands storm debris contract, extends emergency after Isaias

Walton County commissioners approved expanding the storm debris removal contract to cover public beaches and debris pickup in public and private neighborhoods. They also extended the county’s local state of emergency after Hurricane Isaias.

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) took the actions at its first regular meeting since Isaias made landfall in the county. The meeting was held Tuesday, Oct. 13, according to the county’s news release dated Oct. 15, 2026.

Emergency Management Director Jeff Goldberg told the board that preliminary estimates put the cost of storm debris removal at about $4.5 million. He said all disaster-related figures are subject to change as detailed assessments come in.

What the commissioners approved

• Contract amendment: The board approved amending the DRC contract to include public beaches and to remove storm debris from public and private neighborhoods.
• Emergency extension: The board approved extending the local state of emergency and authorized Board Chairman Brad Drake to sign the resolution.

How the county is seeking federal aid

Goldberg said the documented damage information will go to the state and then to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will consider a disaster declaration. The county says its federal and state legislative delegation supports the request.

Earlier office closures

County Administrator Brian Kellenberger asked the board to extend county office closures through Oct. 13 so employees who could not report to work because of the hurricane could be granted administrative leave with pay. Department directors could seek additional employee exemptions through Friday, Oct. 16, on an individual basis.

What the county has not said

The news release does not say how long the emergency extension lasts. It also does not say whether the DRC contract has a new dollar limit.