Florida lawmakers are advising and warning Floridians ahead of Hurricane Isaias’ expected landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hurricane Isaias is expected to approach the panhandle at around 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
The National Hurricane Center has also advised that “preparations to protect life and property from storm surge and damaging winds along the warning area of the Gulf Coast should be rushed to completion.”
Evacuation Orders
According to FloridaDisaster.org, Okaloosa County, Franklin County, and Walton County have “Mandatory Evacuation” orders.
🚨 Evacuation orders are in effect for Hurricane Isaias.
If you live an in area where an evacuation has been ordered, LISTEN to your local officials!
Find out more information on shelters and whether you’re in a mandatory evacuation area here: https://t.co/f3J9K3TdeW
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 8, 2026
Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) also announced the mandatory evacuation order for Escambia County.
🚨 Escambia County has issued an evacuation order for Zones A and B ahead of Hurricane Isaias. 🚨
If you’re in Perdido Key, Innerarity Point, Pensacola Beach or another low-lying area, please follow local officials’ guidance and evacuate if you’re ordered to do so. #StaySafeFlorida
— Senator Ashley Moody (@SenAshleyMoody) October 8, 2026
Santa Rosa County has also issued an evacuation order, despite Florida Disaster’s claim of no evacuations reported.
Wakulla and Bay Counties are subject to “Voluntary Evacuation" orders.
Hurricane Watches & Warnings
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has also issued Hurricane Watches and Warnings for 19 counties, warning of possible or expected conditions within the next 36-48 hours.
🚨 10/8, 1PM: 19 counties are under watches & warnings for Hurricane #Isaias.
WATCH: hazards are possible, within 48 hours
WARNING: hazards are expected, within 36 hours⚠️ Hurricanes can bring multiple weather hazards long before & after a storm makes landfall. Monitor & be prepared to act when you receive alerts!
https://t.co/p1ksYRsn11
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) October 8, 2026
Sandbags Available
Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-Fla.) recently announced that sandbags are available across the Panhandle.
Sandbags are available across Northwest Florida. Visit my website and click the Hurricane Preparedness tab, or visit: https://t.co/cPqexITlwl https://t.co/ThfyDgKlCW
— Congressman Jimmy Patronis (@PatronisFL) October 8, 2026
Rick Scott & Byron Donalds Urge Floridians To Prepare In Advance
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Gubernatorial candidate Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) issued a video warning advising patrons to take the warnings seriously and to verify they prepared for the upcoming storm.
Hurricane Isaias is coming.
@RepDonaldsPress and I are here to remind Floridians that NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET READY!
Right now, listening to local officials is critical. Here’s what you need to watch for ⬇️ https://t.co/wNCwFgvcvO
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 8, 2026
Flood Watch for Pinellas County
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has also advised her Pinellas County constituents of an official flood watch.
In addition, Rep. Luna reminded Floridians to watch for Dengue fever amid rising cases in the district.
ALERT PINELLAS: The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all of Pinellas County and a Coastal Flood Advisory for coastal areas. Heavy rain may flood streets and yards in low-lying areas. Higher-than-normal tides over the weekend will increase the risk of coastal flooding in flood-prone and low-lying coastal areas. Residents in these areas should take standard precautions to protect property ahead of potential flooding. Remember: Turn around, don't drown. Never drive or walk through flooded areas. Dump any standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. Check https://t.co/J0i3eWuyrC and https://t.co/6FR72HUDv5 for the latest weather forecast updates.
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) October 8, 2026
