Tropical Storm Fay Updates

From the Florida Highway Patrol -  

As Tropical Storm Fay moves west toward the Panhandle, residents are bracing for heavy rains and potential flooding this afternoon. Many people are concerned about who to contact for updated travel information regarding the storm.

Please contact the Florida Emergency Information Hotline by calling (800) 342-3557 to obtain current information regarding Tropical Storm Fay. The 800 number may be used by Florida residents and callers from out of state.

Residents may also contact their local emergency operation centers for additional information.

For real-time traffic and road condition reports, as well as maps and other safety tips, the public is urged to visit the FHP Web site at www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/. Florida drivers can also call 511 on their cell phone for up-to-the minute updates on traffic congestion, road construction, lane closures, severe weather and travel delays on Interstates and major highways.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles encourages anyone with a valid Florida driver license or identification card to go online to www.flhsmv.gov and enter their emergency contact information. This vital information gives law enforcement immediate access to this information in cases of an emergency, which makes it easier for them to contact a family member or friend.

From the National Park Service -

Due to the current tropical storm watch from Destin, Florida to the Alabama/Mississippi state line, Gulf Islands National Seashore will close the Fort Pickens Area at sunset on Aug. 22. Special programs to commemorate the 92nd birthday of the National Park Service, including Earle Bowden’s book signing event at the Naval Live Oaks and the Fort Pickens beach walk are cancelled on Aug. 23

When announcing this closure, Superintendent Jerry Eubanks said,  "This tropical storm is expected to enter the Gulf, and possibly taking aim at the Florida Panhandle, resulting in a storm surge that may cause the narrow section of the beach to breach, isolating visitors inside the Fort Pickens Area.” 

Projected flooding and possible downed trees caused by Tropical Storm Fay could also adversely impact traveling visitors.  Additional park areas may be closed over the weekend. 

Gulf Islands National Seashore will reopen the Fort Pickens Area after the storm has passed and the staff has an opportunity to mitigate any hazards resulting from the storm.  For more information about other park programs, call 934-2600 or visit www.nps.gov/guis.

From Pensacola Junior College –

The following events at Pensacola Junior College, listed in the Navarre Press education briefs and local happenings in the Aug. 21 issue, have been cancelled:

• The surplus property auction at the main Pensacola campus
• The Wildlife Expo at the PJC Milton Branch.  

From the Santa Rosa Island Authority -

Free Friday Flicks on Pensacola Beach is also cancelled.

From the Zoo of Northwest Florida --

 The Zoo will be closed Saturday and Sunday due to the approach of Tropical Storm Fay.