Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 A Vik Media Group publication
Emerald Coast Dispatch Destin, 30A and Panama City Beach news: Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Bay counties
Developing story/Santa Rosa County

Hurricane Isaias recovery

MARC centers in Okaloosa are open through October 24, alongside EOC help lines, DOH health advisories and affected municipal services. In Walton, commissioners approved expanding the debris removal contract and extending the local state of emergency.

14 articles · following since Oct. 18, 2026 · last update Oct. 18, 2026

Every update, newest first

  1. Santa Rosa schools after Isaias: Avalon Middle set to open Oct. 19; others lack dates

    Avalon Middle School is scheduled to open Monday, Oct. 19, while Hobbs Middle and Milton High have not announced reopening dates, according to school pages.

  2. Walton County estimates $4.5 million for Isaias debris removal

    The Walton County Board of County Commissioners heard a preliminary cost of about $4.5 million to remove Hurricane Isaias storm debris at its first regular meeting since the storm.

  3. Fort Walton Beach moves utility customer service to Recreation Center after Isaias damage

    The city's Customer Service Office has been temporarily relocated to the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center because hurricane damage affected City Hall.

  4. Walton County expands storm debris contract, extends emergency after Isaias

    Commissioners approved adding public beaches and public and private neighborhoods to the debris removal work, and extended the local state of emergency. Preliminary cost estimate: about $4.5 million.

  5. Dangerous Rip Currents Expected on Okaloosa Beaches Through Tuesday Morning

    The National Weather Service says dangerous rip currents are expected on Okaloosa Coastal beaches through Tuesday morning, Oct. 20.

  6. FPL Says Hurricane Isaias Power Restoration Is Essentially Complete in Northwest Florida

    Florida Power & Light says it has essentially finished restoring power after Hurricane Isaias and is still helping Northwest Florida recover.

  7. Panama City Beach debris pickup continues; Bay County free dumping runs to Oct. 25

    Panama City Beach crews will keep collecting residential storm debris for several weeks, while Bay County extended free household waste disposal at Steelfield Landfill through Sunday, Oct. 25.

  8. Florida seeks major disaster declaration for Isaias; IRS extends tax deadlines to Feb. 8

    Florida has asked for a major disaster declaration after Hurricane Isaias, the IRS extended federal tax deadlines to Feb. 8, 2027 in 27 counties, and small businesses can apply for zero-interest bridge loans.

  9. Santa Rosa schools post Isaias meal, housing and damage-report help; Sims returns Oct. 20

    Four Santa Rosa County schools have posted Hurricane Isaias updates, including help for displaced families and reopening plans that vary by school.

  10. Milton lifts boil water advisory after Isaias; emergency runs through Oct. 18

    The City of Milton, in Santa Rosa County, Florida, ended the precautionary boil water advisory for all city water customers, while debris crews work in 14 zones.

  11. Santa Rosa opens two free drop-off sites for Isaias yard debris

    Residents can drop off vegetative storm debris for free at sites in Navarre and Pace, with ID, seven days a week until further notice.

  12. DOH-Okaloosa lifts Grass Lake, Choctawhatchee Bay entrance health advisory

    The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County also recommends safety tips to prevent illness or injury after Hurricane Isaias.

  13. After Isaias: bills, debris and replanting help in Okaloosa County cities

    A city-by-city guide for Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Mary Esther and Crestview, with FPL's financial assistance and UF/IFAS replanting advice.

  14. Hurricane Isaias: Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Resource Centers open through Oct. 24

    Two county-run centers in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview give help to people affected by Hurricane Isaias, with hours through Oct. 24.