Pensacola News Journal

Escambia County has ordered an evacuation of Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach starting at noon on Tuesday. While Florida does not have mandatory evacuations, first responders will likely not be able to assist residents of the two barrier islands starting at noon, said Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill.

Underhill encouraged beach residents to pay attention to the evacuation orders. Although Hurricane Michael is forecast to shift east, Pensacola remains in danger, he said.

“Anybody who has spent any time on the Gulf Coast knows that until we see that eastward shift in the track, we should be operating from the assumption that we have a Category 3 storm heading here,” he said. “We pray for the best and plan for the worst.”

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Joy Tsubooka, spokeswoman for Escambia County, also encouraged people to follow the evacuation orders and to look out for neighbors who might not have an evacuation plan.

The county also announced the opening of several shelters. The Pensacola Bay Center will be opening at 1 p.m. today as a general shelter and special needs shelter. Molino Park Elementary School will be opening today as a pet shelter.

The Equestrian Center will be opening at 1 p.m. today for large animal sheltering.

Santa Rosa County has not issued an evacuation order for Navarre Beach.

County spokeswoman Brandi Whitehurst said Tuesday the county will leave the decision to residents or visitors on whether to go or stay depending on what Hurricane Michael does.

The county issued a voluntary evacuation order on Monday because of anticipated storm surge, but a change in the forecast does not merit the county instituting evacuation orders on Tuesday, Whitehurst said.

“While Santa Rosa County is not forecast to receive any significant flooding or storm surge, the county could receive tropical storm force winds,” Whitehurst wrote in a statement. “Those in mobile homes, campers, campsites, and lowlying areas including Navarre Beach may feel more comfortable evacuating.”

Navarre Beach Fire Rescue Chief Danny Fureigh said he has not seen any evacuations at the beach. People instead are keeping an eye on the storm, he said.

The chief stressed that the department wants people to stay out of the water. The beach is under a double red flag, meaning the beach is closed to swimmers.

More:Hurricane Michael: What to expect and when in Escambia, Santa Rosa on Tuesday

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We will have more on this story as it develops.