Mandatory evacuation expanded for visitors in coastal Gulf County

Gulf County has issued a mandatory evacuation of all non-residents located in the Indian Pass, Cape San Blas and Simmons Bayou areas due to anticipated impacts from Hurricane Idalia.

A voluntary evacuation order has been issued for residents and property owners in these areas.

All Gulf County beaches are closed at this time.

The evacuation order will last until it is rescinded by the Gulf County Board of County Commissioners or after seven days, whichever comes first.

At an emergency meeting held shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the county commissioners declared a local state of emergency due to the storm, which is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane just east of the forgotten coast on Wednesday morning.

At that meeting, a mandatory evacuation order was issued for all visitors located north of the Stump Hole on Cape San Blas as well as all recreational vehicles located in coastal Gulf County.

This report will be updated as information becomes available.