Hurricane Isaias Updates & Resources
Visitor FAQs Following Hurricane Isaias
As our community continues recovering from Hurricane Isaias, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key are making progress toward welcoming visitors back. Many local businesses have reopened, while others continue cleanup, repairs, and damage assessments.We encourage visitors to stay informed, confirm their travel plans, and remain patient and respectful as our community recovers. Below are answers to frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit.
I have an upcoming vacation. Is it okay to visit?
Yes, many parts of the Pensacola Bay Area are welcoming visitors. However, recovery efforts are still underway, and conditions vary by location.
Before traveling, please confirm that your accommodations are open and check the status of any attractions, restaurants, or activities you plan to visit. If visiting Pensacola Beach, be mindful of damage assessments and cleanup in residential and business areas. Please respect restricted areas and allow recovery crews room to work.
Are the beaches open?
Many public beach areas in Escambia County are open, but conditions vary by location.
- Perdido Key: Beach areas were largely unaffected by Hurricane Isaias, with all public access points operational. Perdido Key State Park is open as is the Gulf Islands National Seashore – Johnson Beach.
- Pensacola Beach: Public beach areas are open, although the island experienced greater storm impacts. Please respect posted restrictions and avoid areas where cleanup and damage assessments are underway. All public beach access points are open accept one boardwalk at Park East (parking lot is open) and the steps into the Santa Rosa Sound on Panferio.
- Beach safety: Storms can leave debris in the sand and water, including hazards that may not be visible. Use caution and check beach flags and local advisories before entering the water.
Is my hotel or vacation rental open? What if I cannot get in touch with them?
Accommodations throughout Escambia County have been affected differently. Please contact your hotel, vacation rental, or property manager directly to confirm your reservation, property conditions, and any changes that may affect your stay.
If your trip is more than seven days away and you have not received a response, please allow additional time for the property to reconnect with guests while staff restore operations. Visit Pensacola is also working with lodging partners to share known closures and updates on business listings at VisitPensacola.com.
Are restaurants, shops, tours, and other local businesses open?
Yes! Many local restaurants, shops, attractions, and tour operators have reopened and are ready to welcome customers. Supporting these businesses is a great way to contribute to our community’s recovery.
Some businesses may still be closed or operating with adjusted hours or limited services. Check directly with each business before visiting, and look for updates on VisitPensacola.com.
Are Blue Angels practices still happening?
Blue Angels practices are expected to continue as scheduled, weather and operational conditions permitting.
Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola's West Gate is open for public visitation daily from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m.! Have a REAL ID or U.S. passport ready.
Are local events still happening?
Event schedules are being evaluated as our community recovers. Some events are proceeding as planned, while others have been canceled or postponed.
Check directly with event organizers or official event pages for the latest information before attending. Visit Pensacola will continue to share updates as they become available.
Group Travel & Event Planning Resources
Planning an upcoming meeting, group trip, or special event in the Pensacola Bay Area? As our community recovers from Hurricane Isaias, we encourage meeting planners and group organizers to reconfirm arrangements directly with local venues and service providers.
Before your event, we recommend:
- Accommodations & Venues: Contact your hotel's sales team to confirm room blocks, meeting spaces, catering, and event services.
- Activities & Transportation: Reconfirm group reservations, attraction availability, transportation arrangements, and event access.
- Event Planning: Review contracts, cancellation policies, and insurance coverage for any potential changes.
Helpful Planning Resources:
- VISIT FLORIDA Event Insurance (for eligible events)
- Santa Rosa Island Authority
- Escambia County Updates
- Florida 511 Road Condition
- NAS Pensacola Homecoming Air Show Updates
Need assistance? Visit Pensacola's Sales Team is available to help connect planners with local resources, alternative itineraries, group dining, attractions, and other destination experiences.
Are city, county, and state parks open?
Park crews are assessing storm damage and clearing debris from public spaces, trails, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. Some parks and amenities remain temporarily closed due to downed trees, damaged equipment, or other hazards.
Please stay out of closed parks, playgrounds, and restricted areas until officials announce they are safe to reopen. Gulf Islands National Seashore has also announced temporary closures, including Fort Pickens. Check with the relevant park agency before visiting. All local state parks including Big Lagoon, Tarkiln Bayou, and Perdido Key State Park are open.
Is Pensacola International Airport open?
Pensacola International Airport has resumed commercial operations. If you are flying into Pensacola, check directly with your airline for flight changes, delays, or other travel updates.
Are roads and bridges open?
Most major routes are accessible, but cleanup and repairs may affect travel in certain areas. Use caution, watch for debris and road crews, and follow posted restrictions. For current conditions and closures, visit FL511.com or MyEscambia.com.
Are there still power outages or water advisories?
Utility restoration and recovery efforts continue in some areas. ECUA reported on October 14 that its precautionary boil water notice had been lifted for Pensacola Beach and most of mainland Escambia County, including Perdido Key, though some individual addresses remained under advisory.
Before traveling, confirm with your accommodations that essential services are available. Check ECUA.fl.gov and your utility provider for the latest information.
How can visitors support Pensacola’s recovery?
One of the best ways to support our community is by visiting local businesses that have reopened and are ready to welcome you. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, shop at a small business, or book an experience with a local tour operator.
At the same time, please be patient as our community recovers. Respect residential areas, follow posted restrictions, and give recovery crews the space they need to work. Your support, patience, and kindness mean so much to our community.
Resident & Business Owner Information
As the Pensacola Bay Area continues to recover from Hurricane Isaias, Visit Pensacola remains committed to supporting our residents, local businesses, and tourism partners. Whether you're reopening your doors, assessing storm damage, or looking for recovery resources, the following information can help.
- Business Updates & Reopenings: Business owners are encouraged to report closures, adjusted hours, and reopening statuses to help us keep visitors and locals informed.
- Storm Damage Reporting: Residents and business owners who experienced damage are encouraged to complete Escambia County's damage assessment survey to help document storm impacts and support recovery assistance efforts.
- Escambia County Recovery Resources: Find local recovery updates, emergency information, and additional resources.