ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response and Recovery Efforts for Hurricane Isaias

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5. 2026

ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response and Recovery Efforts for Hurricane Isaias

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla.- Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, and Florida Department of Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly in Milton and Santa Rosa Beach to announce additional recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias.

In Milton, Governor DeSantis announced that FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available in short-term, zero-interest loans to businesses impacted by Hurricane Isaias. Eligible businesses can apply at FloridaJobs.org/DisasterRecovery/EBL.

In Santa Rosa Beach, Governor DeSantis announced the reopening of Grayton Beach State Park following the completion of emergency repairs to a bridge damaged by Hurricane Isaias. At the Governor's direction, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local partners, completed repairs in just 16 hours, allowing the park to reopen later today.

Governor DeSantis also provided updates on Florida's ongoing response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias.

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin at approximately 9:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 9, as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-202, amending EO 26-212 and declaring a state of emergency for 27 Florida counties.

As of 1 p.m., power has been restored to approximately 200,000 customer accounts. Restoration crews continue working around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, prioritizing the hardest-hit communities.

State Preparedness and Public Safety

Florida State Guard

The FSG deployed nearly 400 soldiers to support recovery efforts, including damage assessments, debris removal, roadway clearance, distribution operations, and search and rescue missions.

The Crisis Response Battalion has deployed four amphibious rescue teams, 10 cut-and-toss teams, six skid steer teams, and five transportation teams to support debris removal, rescue operations, and the movement of critical supplies.

Seven UAS teams and five aircraft are conducting aerial reconnaissance, damage assessments, search and rescue operations, and monitoring storm impacts.

Eight shallow-water boat teams are supporting maritime search and rescue operations and damage assessments.

FSG is providing aerial reconnaissance and live footage to the State Emergency Operations Center, including assessments of critical infrastructure, beaches, flooding, and debris.

FSG continues coordinating with FHP, FWC, and FDEM to support recovery operations throughout impacted communities.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's (FDLE) Emergency Preparedness Bureau is actively coordinating the state law enforcement response to affected areas. They have coordinated with law enforcement partners for 66 total missions over 8 impacted counties during Hurricane Isias preparation and recovery.

FDLE is coordinating assets to impacted areas from Hurricane Isaias, including equipment and mobile command posts, backup satellite and communications systems, and aviation assets at strategic locations. Portable towers are staged for emergency communications.

FDLE Jacksonville Regional Operation Center (JROC) sent an Incident Management Team (IMT) to Pensacola, FL, to reinforce operations in the Pensacola Region.

FDLE helped coordinate vendor provided resources to support the Florida Sheriff's Association (FSA) base camp in Santa Rosa County to include bunk houses, restroom trailers, and shower trailers.

FDLE aviation assets were deployment to assist with damage assessments and law enforcement support for impacted areas.

FDLE is coordinating fuel services along Interstate 10 for local law enforcement. First responder refueling locations have been identified along the Interstate 10 corridor.

Florida Department of Military Affairs

The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has approximately 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen activated, staged throughout impact area. Units are conducting search and rescue, route clearance, ground and air reconnaissance, humanitarian assistance (HA), protection of critical infrastructure, flood mitigation missions as well as supporting state and local officials with high-wheeled vehicle support.

The FLNG has more than 1,300 tactical high-wheeled vehicles, 10 Zodiac boats, and 50 construction/route clearance vehicles available for this mission.

Additionally, FLNG have eight helicopters (one CH-47, one HH-60, and six UH-60) available.

The FLNG has completed 35 missions of 52 missions assigned by the SEOC, including:

• Cleared more than 3,700 cubic acres of debris and 1,000 miles of roadway.

• 19.2 flight hours for search-and-rescue and damage assessment.

• Assisted with the relocation of 50 special needs residents.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

In addition to the 75 local Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers, 28 additional FWC officers have deployed to areas impacted by Hurricane Isaias with additional specialized equipment including:

• 10 airboats

• 18 shallow-draft boats

• Nine ATVs and side-by-sides

• Six larger platform vessels

• 75 four-wheel-drive vehicles

• Four swamp buggies
  

Florida Department of Corrections

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is currently in storm response and recovery.

• At FDC Institutions: All facilities are secure, and all inmates have been accounted for. Staff accountability is underway.

• In FDC Circuits: The Office of Community Corrections is making contact with offenders. Staff accountability is underway.

FDC has mobilized damage assessments teams in Region I and Region II to survey impacts. At this time, minor damages have been reported at institutions in Region I, and no damage has been reported in Region II.

Several FDC institutions impacted by the storm are safely operating on generators. and repopulation is underway.

FDC posts public updates at FDC.MyFlorida.com/weather-updates.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

Youth and staff in DJJ facilities are accounted for and safe. DJJ has begun to assess facilities for damages in impacted areas and currently, there is minimal damage to facilities. DJJ has initiated its post-storm recovery efforts which include the continued assessment of facilities for damage and post-storm clean-up.

DJJ continues to coordinate with its staff, providers, and law enforcement partners to ensure juvenile assessment centers and detention screening units remain operational post-storm.

Youth on community supervision with office appointments will be given specific instructions from their juvenile probation officers about office closures.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers continue supporting recovery operations by clearing roadways, escorting utility crews and critical supplies, managing traffic, and monitoring flooding.

Four FHP cut teams have completed 60 debris removal missions, while 46 Quick Response Force personnel are assisting with roadway clearance and emergency response.

201 troopers are operating across impacted areas and the Central Panhandle, including managing intersections in Milton and maintaining a law enforcement presence along I-10.

FHP UAS teams are conducting damage assessments, monitoring rising floodwaters, and supporting search and rescue operations.

Two high-water rescue vehicles and seven skid steers are staged to support ongoing recovery efforts.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued an emergency order waiving certain commercial vehicle requirements, motorist fees, and late renewal penalties to support recovery efforts.

Health and Human Services

Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Outpatient Clinics in Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, Panama City, Marianna, and Tallahassee are closed and scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, October 13. 

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues monitoring facilities, providers, and clients in storm-impacted areas, with no unmet needs reported.

APD-operated facilities are supporting 436 residents, with an additional 14 hospitalized. Sunland Center experienced temporary power outages and downed trees but reported no structural damage.

APD is monitoring 145 group homes serving 700 residents across affected counties. One group home in Panama City relocated residents as a precaution, with no unmet needs reported.

APD continues outreach to more than 2,700 clients living in family homes or independent and supported living settings to assess needs and provide assistance.

APD has established regional emergency reporting channels and made emergency resources available to clients, families, and providers.

Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) continues supporting medical response and recovery efforts, including coordinating emergency medical services, distributing critical supplies, and addressing public health concerns.

DOH warehouse operations are running 24/7 to distribute critical medical supplies and resources.

DOH is augmenting 911 emergency response capabilities in five counties and mobilizing an AmbuBus to assist with patient transportation.

Special Needs Shelters remain open in five counties: Escambia, Washington, Santa Rosa, Jackson, and Wakulla.

Boil Water Notices remain in effect in seven counties: Escambia, Holmes, Jackson, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Walton, and Washington.

DOH is coordinating water service restoration for health care facilities in Escambia County and deploying environmental health resources to impacted communities.

County health departments are assessing reopening plans and providing public health guidance on generator safety, flooding, safe drinking water, and other post-storm hazards.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) continues working with Medicaid managed care plans to ensure recipients have access to critical health care services following Hurricane Isaias.

All Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) plans remain fully operational, with call centers assisting recipients and conducting outreach to individuals with medically complex needs.

Early prescription refills remain available to Medicaid recipients in impacted counties.

Medicaid transportation services have experienced minimal disruptions, and plans continue coordinating with providers to ensure continuity of care.

Medicaid recipients needing assistance can contact their managed care plan or the Medicaid Helpline at 1-877-254-1055, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Florida Department of Children and Families

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is supporting post-storm response to Hurricane Isaias, coordinating food and water distribution, shelter support, and survivor services. 600 pallets of food and hot meal support is being coordinated for impacted communities.

DCF is supporting a recovery shelter for survivors at Immanuel Baptist Church in Okaloosa County, located at 3252 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida 32539.

DCF has also staged two shelter support teams, totaling 150 personnel, 32 nursing support personnel, and 18 survivor transportation vehicles, along with a crisis counseling task force.

DCF is completing outreach in impacted areas to assess the safety and unmet needs of families and caregivers involved in active child protective investigations, children in out-of-home care, and adult protective services clients.

Northwest Florida Health Network has activated resources to support impacted children in out-of-home care and individuals receiving behavioral health services.

DCF is conducting checks of licensed locations in impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and address unmet needs as it becomes safe to do so.

DCF's Office of Economic Self Sufficiency is monitoring power outages and flooding following Hurricane Isaias. Based on post-impact assessments, the Department will evaluate appropriate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) response options for affected counties, including the replacement of SNAP benefits, waiver for hot food purchases, and potential waiver for Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) operations.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) coordinated with Area Agencies on Aging in storm-impacted areas to assess senior needs and provide critical resources.

Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging staff contacted nearly 700 seniors to assess needs and provide assistance.

Advantage Aging Solutions contacted more than 1,400 seniors, completed 391 wellness checks, and provided 415 meals, along with water and tarps in Gadsden County.
Elder Options initiated 646 calls to seniors across six impacted counties and coordinated with local service providers.

Ahead of the storm, service providers distributed 1,624 shelf-stable meals to seniors to support hurricane preparedness.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Education

Florida Department of Transportation
FDOT has over 1,100 team members activated for storm response.
More than 260 pieces of heavy equipment are in the field supporting recovery missions.
A total of 1,400 generators and 100 pumps are being deployed as needed.
30 UAV teams are conducting damage and flooding assessments.
All interstates and state-owned bridges are open for travel.

• Crews completed inspections of all coastal bridges by 6 a.m. Saturday.

Cut-and-toss crews continue clearing arterial roadways to support emergency responders, utility restoration crews, and the delivery of critical supplies.

• 40 cut-and-toss teams cleared I-10 and U.S. 98 by 6 a.m. Saturday.

Crews are assessing damaged traffic signals and deploying generators to restore temporary power.

• 271 traffic signals have been restored using generator power.

FDOT began emergency road repairs at Grayton Beach State Park in Walton County.
FDOT's emergency order waives standard size and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles transporting fuel, emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agricultural commodities.
Governor DeSantis suspended toll collection on the Mid-Bay Bridge and Spence Parkway in Okaloosa County and the Garcon Point Bridge in Santa Rosa County to facilitate evacuations.
Road and Bridge Closures and Detours
Download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for real-time road/bridge closures and potential detours. Before heading out, drivers should always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel
Remember to never drive through flooded areas. The roadway beneath the water may conceal debris, or even power lines. Turn Around; Don't Drown
Transportation Modes Updates

Seaports

Port of Pensacola closed waterside and landside operations.
Port Panama City closed waterside and landside operations.

Airports

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) now open and operational to commercial aircraft.
Pensacola International Airport (PNS) now open and operational to commercial aircraft.

• Some commercial flight cancellations or delays are being reported; check with airlines directly on specific flight updates

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) continues coordinating with Florida's fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida.

The Florida Forest Service (FFS) established chainsaw crews to support response operations. Heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, skid steers, excavators, and dump trucks, is being prepared to respond as needed for road-clearing activities.

FDACS is preparing fuel inspectors for post-storm deployment to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are operating properly and to test fuel quality.

FDACS is preparing food safety inspectors for post-storm deployment to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of permitted food establishments.

FDACS is coordinating with agricultural partners to ensure producers have adequate resources and support.

Updates on State Forest closures can be found here.

FDACS is working to connect evacuating livestock and horse owners with open public and private facilities across the state. A list of open facilities can be found here.

On October 8, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Isaias. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses, and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), and Mississippi.

Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for livestock and animals in critical need by completing this online request formmailto:form or calling 863-993-5460.

Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education (DOE) continues to coordinate with school districts, state colleges and universities across Northwest Florida in response to Hurricane Isaias.

Numerous K-12 school districts, state colleges and universities throughout the Panhandle and North Florida closed or adjusted operations on Friday, October 9, due to the storm.

School districts and higher education institutions will communicate any additional closures, schedule changes or reopening plans as conditions allow.

Parents, students and employees should continue monitoring official school district, college and university communications for the latest updates.

For school closure information, visit FLDOE.org/storminfo.

For university-specific alerts and updates, visit FLBOG.edu/susfl-alert. 

Florida Department of Management Services

The Florida Department of Management Service (DMS)'s vendor Comcast has opened more than 26,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across Florida's Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The hotspots are available at no cost to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers.

Per associated mission requests, 54 Starlink kits activated and deployed.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

DEP continues coordinating with drinking water, wastewater, and hazardous waste facilities to assess operational status and identify unmet needs.

• Drinking water facilities: 167 fully operational, 33 operating on backup power, and 3 non-operational.

• Wastewater facilities: 91 fully operational, 24 operating on backup power, and 2 non-operational.

DEP is coordinating the deployment of generators, fuel, pump trucks, and other resources to support impacted facilities, including potable water delivery to Baptist Hospital in Escambia County.

DEP's Hazardous Assessment Response Teams are preparing to deploy to assess potential hazardous material impacts.

Beach and shoreline assessments are underway in Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, with additional assessments scheduled for Bay, Escambia, and Santa Rosa counties on Monday.

DEP is coordinating with federal and regional partners on flooding concerns in Crestview and along the Shoal River.

DEP issued an Emergency Final Order expediting debris management and repairs to storm-damaged infrastructure.

Six of 260 pre-authorized Disaster Debris Management Sites have been activated to support cleanup operations.

Eleven Florida state parks have reopened. Updated Park closures are available at FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates

Business, Consumer and Workforce Resources

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has organized Emergency Response Teams across 13 offices statewide that are ready to deploy once it is safe to conduct damage assessments and disaster inspections of licensed establishments.

DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 94,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide storm preparation and food safety resources.

DBPR has reached out to over 101,637 Florida-licensed contractors, encouraging those who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with the Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.

DBPR has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage more than 76,000 Florida-licensed lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees. Lodging operators who have waived pet policies and fees are encouraged to complete DBPR's Lodging Pet Fee Waiver Information Sheet. For a list of participating properties and corporate partners that have waived pet policies and fees, visit myfloridalicense.com/emergency.

DBPR is preparing an emergency order that will waive certain licensing deadlines, requirement and fees. Once finalized, the order will be posted on the Department's Emergency Information Page and shared through its social media channels.

FloridaCommerce

FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Isaias. A total of 67 surveys have been completed. Businesses can report damages at FloridaDisaster.biz by selecting "Hurricane Isaias" from the dropdown menu.

FloridaCommerce continues coordinating with more than 200 private sector partners across the state to support recovery efforts and provide updated business operating statuses on FloridaDisaster.biz.

FloridaCommerce staff have made 310 calls to rural and small businesses in affected areas to assess their needs following the storm.

FloridaCommerce has assembled mobile response units and volunteers to assist business owners and individuals with accessing recovery resources in impacted communities as conditions allow.

FloridaCommerce has assembled strike teams to conduct business-to-business canvassing, connecting directly with business owners and providing information about the Business Damage Assessment Survey and other recovery resources.

FloridaCommerce and Emergency Support Function 18 (ESF-18) are hosting daily briefings with private sector partners from 2-3 p.m., with more than 70 participants joining the calls. For information, email [email protected].

FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida are coordinating with 10 Local Workforce Development Boards and 14 Community Action Agencies across affected counties to assess recovery needs and available resources.

FloridaCommerce is coordinating with private sector partners, including FloridaMakes, to secure lodging and staging areas for first responders and recovery crews.

Uber is offering free round-trip rides, up to $40 each way, to and from state-approved evacuation shelters. Residents can enter promotional code ISAIAS26 in the Uber app before requesting a ride. Participating shelters are listed at FloridaDisaster.org/Shelters.

AT&T is waiving overage charges to provide unlimited talk, text, and data for postpaid and prepaid customers in impacted ZIP codes from October 9 through November 7. AT&T is also offering 25% off power accessories at participating retail locations.

Comcast has opened more than 26,000 public Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots across Florida's Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Hotspots are available at no cost to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers.

Walmart continues coordinating store reopenings, fuel transportation, and supply chain operations to support impacted communities. Walmart also prepositioned several truckloads of supplies to support immediate post-storm response and recovery.

Walmart is working with the Salvation Army to coordinate recovery assistance and with Convoy of Hope to provide gift cards for clothing and essential items at three stabilization centers in Bay, Escambia, and Okaloosa counties.

FloridaCommerce's Private Sector Hotline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (850) 815-4925 or by email at [email protected]. Additional business recovery resources and information are available at FloridaDisaster.biz.

VISIT FLORIDA

VISIT FLORIDA has activated emergency accommodation resources through partnerships with Expedia, Priceline and Booking.com providing impacted Floridians and visitors with real-time hotel availability and lodging options during emergencies.

Florida Department of Lottery

The Florida Lottery has approximately 502 terminals down in Northwest Florida impacting 407 retailers.

All players wishing to cash their winning tickets at the District Office in impacted areas should retain your tickets cashing for normal business hours on Monday.

Florida Department of Financial Services

Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) opened its first Insurance Assistance Hub in Destin to assist Floridians impacted by Hurricane Isaias with insurance questions and claims.

Representatives from at least six major insurance carriers, along with DFS Division of Consumer Services staff, are available to assist residents.

The hub is located at Morgan Sports Center, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, and will operate Monday, October 12 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CT

Office of Financial Regulation

The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued a proclamation to more than 3,700 financial institutions and securities professionals.

OFR offers online resources at FLOFR.gov/education/disaster-resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services providers, including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.

Florida Department of Revenue

Florida law allows exporters, petroleum carriers, and importers to request a temporary fuel tax license during a disaster or declared state of emergency. Out-of-state applicants are not required to submit a fee, secure bonding, or undergo a background check if they apply for and receive a temporary fuel tax license. Visit Florida's Fuel Tax webpage for more information on the temporary fuel tax licensing program: FloridaRevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/fuel.aspx.

Florida Statutes provide direction for property affected by a catastrophic event. The Department of Revenue has created two helpful resources to assist homeowners:

• A Florida Homeowner's Guide: Disaster Damage - This brochure explains how property taxes are handled when a property is damaged or destroyed.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Catastrophic Event Refund - This document answers common questions about a catastrophic event refund.

Volunteer and Nonprofit Coordination

Volunteer Florida

Volunteer Florida is coordinating with more than 100 Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (FLVOAD) partners to support response and recovery efforts.

Identifying staging locations and beginning distribution of food buckets, cleanup kits, hygiene supplies, and tools.

Working with partners through Operation Clear Path to provide disaster cleanup and debris removal assistance to vulnerable populations.

Airbnb.org is partnering with Florida's 211 network and regional organizations to provide free emergency housing for residents under mandatory evacuation orders and relief personnel.

Disaster assistance hotlines are available:

• 211: Connects Floridians with food, housing, healthcare, and other essential resources.

• 833-513-2940: Provides free civil legal assistance to disaster survivors.

Encouraging coordinated volunteer efforts through Volunteer Connect and the "Cash, Confirm, Connect" strategy, while reminding volunteers not to self-deploy.
Partners are documenting donations, in-kind contributions, and volunteer hours, currently valued at $34.88 per hour in Florida.

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www.fdot.gov | X: @MyFDOT | Facebook: @MyFDOT

The mission of the Florida Department of Transportation is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state's economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida's environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state's communities.