Tracking the Tropics

Evacuation Status

• 8/30/23 12:10 PM: Mandatory evacuation orders have been rescinded and guests may return to the area or check-in as normal.

Official Notices:

• 8/30/23 12:10 PM Gulf County Evacuation Orders Rescinded – Gulf County has rescinded the evacuation order as of 12:00 p.m. on 8/30/2023. After a storm, there is a potential for water or debris to impact roadways and property, GCEM recommends all visitors and citizens exercise caution when returning to the area. Rip Currents are always a risk after a major storm event, all visitors and residents need to practice safety precautions when entering the water over the next several days.
• 8/29/2312:20PM Gulf County has issued a mandatory evacuation for all visitors in Indian Pass, Cape San Blas, and Simmons Bayou. All Gulf County Beaches are closed.
• 8/28/23 6:00PM (Since updated to include additional areas) The Gulf County Board of County Commissioners has issued a Local State of Emergency for Gulf County due to Tropical Storm Idalia. Voluntary Evacuations have been issued for Indian Pass and low-lying areas. Mandatory evacuations for all visitors North of the stump hole. Mandatory evacuations for Recreational Vehicles along C30 and Highway 98 from the Franklin County Line to Mexico Beach including all of Cape San Blas, Simmons Bayou, Indian Pass, Highlandview, and St Joe Beach.

Watches & Warnings

What is a Watch vs a Warning? A warning means that conditions are expected whereas a watch means that conditions are possible.

• 8/30/23 There are no watches and warnings at this time.

Latest News

• Please check official resources for updates and news.

Helpful Links

Below is a collection of websites we use to follow the tropics. We hope you find them helpful!

• Ross Whitley, WMBB Facebook Page- Local Panama City Meteorologist without hype
• My Panhandle Weather Website – Same local resource, but their website instead of personal facebook page.
• Gulf County Emergency Management & Weather Facebook & Website -Posts local forecasts, evacuation information, and more. You can sign up for alerts on the website.
• NOAA National Hurricane Center Website– Best place to look for the official forecast graphics.
• NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center Facebook Page – They only post a few times a day so it’s not always the most up-to-date info.
• US National Weather Service Tallahassee Florida Facebook -Our area’s national weather alerts station.
• Mike’s Weather Page **Wonderful information, but lots of lots of information. Not a meteorologist, but very informative

• ***Gulf County Sheriff’s Department App*** – I recommend downloading this app and turning on weather & emergency notifications.
  Apple Store App
  Google Play Store App