Hurricane Isaias in Destin: Staying Safe and Preparing for the Storm
Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Gulf Coast, and communities throughout Northwest Florida are preparing for potentially dangerous weather.
Here in Destin, Florida, life revolves around the water. From fishing boats and sightseeing cruises to private charters and days spent at Crab Island, boating is a big part of what makes our area special. But when a hurricane threatens the Emerald Coast, protecting our boats, businesses, and most importantly, our community becomes the priority.
At Bikkini Bottom Boat Charters, we’re making our own preparations for Hurricane Isaias, and we want to help spread the word about important safety information and local resources.
Captain Daniel Is Getting Bikkini Bottom Ready for the Storm
If you’ve spent time aboard Bikkini Bottom, you know how much Captain Daniel enjoys being on the water and sharing the Destin experience with guests.
This week, however, he’s taking the boat on a very different kind of trip.
Captain Daniel is driving the Bikkini Bottom boat to Panama City, where it will be pulled out of the water for safety ahead of Hurricane Isaias.
Taking a boat out of the water before a hurricane can help protect it from storm surge, damaging waves, and the possibility of breaking loose from its dock or mooring.
Moving a larger charter boat requires planning, and we’re taking the approaching storm seriously. While we hope for the best, we believe it’s important to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions rather than wait until the last minute.
We’re looking forward to getting back to our regular Crab Island excursions and Destin cruises, but right now, safety comes first.
Hurricane Preparation Tips for Destin Residents and Visitors
If you’re in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, or the surrounding areas, now is the time to make sure your hurricane preparations are in place.
Have an Evacuation Plan
Know your evacuation zone and understand where you’ll go if local officials issue an evacuation order.
Visitors staying in hotels, condos, or vacation rentals should contact their accommodation providers for guidance and follow official county announcements.
Don’t wait until conditions become dangerous to make travel arrangements.
Prepare Your Home and Property
Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and other loose belongings inside. Secure doors and windows using appropriate storm protection, and move vehicles away from areas that may flood.
If you own a boat, follow guidance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on securing or relocating vessels before a storm.
Gather Essential Supplies
Keep a hurricane emergency kit ready with drinking water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, first-aid supplies, important documents, and pet necessities.
Make sure phones and portable chargers are charged, and have a battery-powered radio available in case you lose power or cell service.
Avoid Beaches, Floodwaters, and Unnecessary Travel
Even before a hurricane makes landfall, the Gulf can experience dangerous surf, rip currents, and changing water conditions.
Stay away from flooded roads, follow beach closures, and avoid traveling during hazardous conditions.
Trusted Local Websites and Facebook Pages for Hurricane Updates
During a hurricane, information can change quickly. Rather than relying on rumors or outdated social media posts, we encourage everyone to follow official weather and emergency management sources.
Local Destin and Okaloosa County resources
Okaloosa County Emergency Operations Center — Evacuations, emergency shelters, closures, and important county announcements.
Okaloosa County Facebook — Local storm information and official updates.
Alert Okaloosa — Emergency notifications delivered to your phone.
Okaloosa County Emergency Management — Hurricane preparation guides, evacuation information, and disaster resources.
Regional and statewide resources
National Hurricane Center — Official forecasts and storm advisories.
National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola — Local forecasts, watches, and warnings.
Florida Division of Emergency Management — Statewide emergency preparedness and disaster information.
Walton County Emergency Management — Emergency resources for neighboring Walton County.
Walton County Emergency Management Social Media — Links to official county emergency management social media pages.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Hurricane Resources — Hurricane preparation and safety information for boat owners.
If you’re in an area under an evacuation order, please follow the instructions of local officials. Conditions and emergency information may change as the storm approaches.
Looking Out for Our Emerald Coast Community
Destin is more than a vacation destination to us. It’s our home, our workplace, and a community filled with people who care about one another.
We love taking guests to Crab Island, searching for dolphins, enjoying beautiful sunsets, and sharing the fun of being on the water. But those experiences can wait until conditions are safe again.
For now, Captain Daniel and the Bikkini Bottom team are focused on protecting our boat, preparing for Hurricane Isaias, and encouraging everyone to stay informed.
Please take care of yourselves, your families, and your neighbors.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on the water when it’s safe to do so.
Stay safe from all of us at Bikkini Bottom Boat Charters.
