City Council Canceled as Hurricane Isaias Prompts Mandatory Evacuations

As Hurricane Isaias advances toward the Gulf Coast, tonight’s Pensacola City Council meeting has been officially canceled to allow residents and municipal staff to focus entirely on final storm preparations. With the storm expected to make landfall late Friday night into early Saturday morning, Escambia County Emergency Manager Travis Tomkins delivered a critical briefing Thursday detailing mandatory evacuation orders, shelter openings, and urgent safety protocols.

(Photo Credit City of Pensacola FB) Mandatory Evacuation Orders Now in Effect

Effective at noon today, Thursday, Oct. 8, Escambia County issued a mandatory evacuation order for Zones A and B. This order encompasses the barrier islands and low-lying coastal areas, specifically including:

* Pensacola Beach * Perdido Key * Innerarity Point The evacuation order also includes anyone living in a mobile home or a low-lying area, regardless of their designated evacuation zone. Officials are urging residents to take this notice seriously and begin relocating immediately.

(Photo Credit City of Pensacola FB)

For residents who need a safe location to ride out the storm, Escambia County is opening two shelters today, Thursday, Oct. 8, at 3:00 p.m. The Pensacola Bay Center, located at 201 E. Gregory St.

Special Needs Shelter: The Marie K. Young-Wedgewood Community Center, located at 6405 Wagner Road. (Note: Residents requiring this shelter must verify their eligibility with the Emergency Operations Center before arriving.)

Tomkins stressed that today is the day to finalize all emergency preparations. Residents should immediately secure essentials, including food, water, and fuel.

(Photo Credit City of Pensacola FB) Additionally, an executive order is currently in effect allowing residents to obtain 30-day medication refills to ensure they have an adequate supply through the storm and its aftermath.

(Photo Credit: cityofpensacola.com) Widespread power outages are fully expected as Isaias moves through the region. Tomkins issued a strict warning for residents to stay off the roads following landfall. Roadways must remain clear to allow first responders, rescue units, and utility repair crews to safely access heavily impacted areas.