It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve in Gulf Breeze, FL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Gulf Breeze, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Jeremy and his company brings great help and assistance along with a refreshing following of”
“Always Best Care was fantastic to work with!! Jeremy and the office staff went above”
“ABC staff, owner and especially their caregivers have been exception. Communication is excellent and they”
“ABC took excellent care of my neighbor. They provided her with support, comfort, and companionship.”
“My father was in memory care and Jeremy’s team went above and beyond for my”
“I live in a different state from my mother. Always best care are there for”
“Jeremy and his care team provided trustworthy and compassionate home care for my parents. I”
“I would like to thank you all for taking such good care of my friend”
“I truly appreciated the extra mile the caregiver went to give my parents the care”
“Jeremy and Tracy are so very helpful, polite and very accommodating and willing to go”
“We needed help fast with our father and Always Best Care Senior Services stepped in”
“I think the administration are very professional and sent out an employee that's a perfect”
“We give Always Best Care five stars. We had two different caregivers and each one”
“Jeremy and his company brings great help and assistance along with a refreshing following of faith. My stepmother was definitely a challenge for them, but they were still with us in the end. Thank you, and God Bless!”
“Always Best Care was fantastic to work with!! Jeremy and the office staff went above and beyond to assist us with scheduling and billing. Highly recommend!!”
“ABC staff, owner and especially their caregivers have been exception. Communication is excellent and they have gone above and beyond to support our needs in caring for our loved ones. They have made our difficult journey a bit easier.”
“ABC took excellent care of my neighbor. They provided her with support, comfort, and companionship. They did for her what she couldn't do for herself. I highly recommend Jeremy and his staff for anyone needing personalized home care.”
“My father was in memory care and Jeremy’s team went above and beyond for my mother during those 2 years! Very flexible, allowing my mom to change weekly schedule when needed. Would assist with hospital visits and stayed with him even when went to long term care unit. Highly recommend their services.”
“I live in a different state from my mother. Always best care are there for me any time. They are very kind and helpful and honestly I don’t know what I would do without them.”
“Jeremy and his care team provided trustworthy and compassionate home care for my parents. I highly recommend them.”
“I would like to thank you all for taking such good care of my friend y’all went out of your way for us and we’re so so much help for me and for Bobbie .. such a wonderful company and very compassionate.. I would not hesitate and suggesting your company to my friends and family..”
“I truly appreciated the extra mile the caregiver went to give my parents the care they deserved. The house was nice and tidy and the meal prep was a lifesaver. This company really deserves 5 stars.”
“Jeremy and Tracy are so very helpful, polite and very accommodating and willing to go that extra mile to help you or your family member. The staff is very polite and helpful. I feel blessed to have found Always Best Care to assist my family members.”
“We needed help fast with our father and Always Best Care Senior Services stepped in and provided excellent guidance and help. Jeremy helped us get answers to questions we didn’t know to ask and made sure we were aware of everything every step of the way. A true professional with a kind heart! I can’t recommend them enough. My family is truly grateful to have found their services.”
“I think the administration are very professional and sent out an employee that's a perfect fit for my needs! They have been very accommodating to schedules/appointments.”
“We give Always Best Care five stars. We had two different caregivers and each one was friendly, cheerful and followed the directions of their care plan very well. This company is well managed and organized - very oriented towards providing the best senior care but also concerned for the family's well being as well.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze, FL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Lao Ocean or visit Fort George, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Gulf Breeze, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Gulf Breeze, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Gulf Breeze, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- Hurricane Isaias crashed into the U.S. Gulf Coast as a dangerous Category 2 storm on Friday, lashing communities with wind and rain and threatening to flood low-lying areas where residents were advised to evacuate ahead of its arrival.The first hurricane of the Atlantic season made landfall near Destin, Florida, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said. It had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (169 kph).The storm weakened to just below major hurricane status before it came ashore. High winds whipped ...
GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- Hurricane Isaias crashed into the U.S. Gulf Coast as a dangerous Category 2 storm on Friday, lashing communities with wind and rain and threatening to flood low-lying areas where residents were advised to evacuate ahead of its arrival.
The first hurricane of the Atlantic season made landfall near Destin, Florida, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said. It had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (169 kph).
The storm weakened to just below major hurricane status before it came ashore. High winds whipped palm trees and thundering waves crashed along the beaches of the Florida Panhandle and Alabama on Friday as Hurricane Isaias charged toward the U.S. Gulf Coast.
“Things are going to get really, really treacherous over the next couple hours,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director for the National Hurricane Center.
Forecasters warned of a significant storm surge, damaging winds, flooding and possibly even tornadoes before the storm loses steam as it moves inland and delivers strong winds and rain well north into Atlanta.
Wind gusts up to hurricane strength began to lash the Gulf shoreline in the early evening. The low-lying coastal area is known for powdery white sand beaches that are dotted with vacation homes, waterfront bars and seafood shacks.
In Mobile, Alabama, officials reported downed trees and power lines, while Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, which serves parts of Florida, issued a boil-water notice for its customers.
More than 365,000 customers in Florida and Alabama were without power Friday evening, according to poweroutage.com. A hurricane warning was in place from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the western Florida Panhandle.
Several counties announced mandatory evacuations while Mobile, Alabama, imposed a curfew beginning Friday evening until morning. Residents in Panama City, Florida, braved the rain while filling sandbags Friday to protect their houses.
“I mean, it’s just the nature of the beast. It’s Florida," said Corliss Stone, who works for the fire department. Many will brave Isaias at home. One of the biggest concerns is a storm surge that could be as high as 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters), according to the hurricane center.
Places most at risk include Florida’s Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Anne Petzold, who lives with her husband in the Florida beach community of Gulf Breeze, said everyone in their neighborhood planned to ride out the storm. The couple installed hurricane shutters and picked up anything in their yard that could turn into a projectile.
“Everybody does what they can do, everybody asks if they need help — they ask for help, they offer help. All good,” she said. “It’s just another adventure.”
Dangerous conditions are expected throughout the western panhandle, southern Alabama and southern Mississippi, the National Hurricane Center said.
In a sign of how serious the warnings are, dozens of Waffle Houses in the Florida Panhandle were closed, according to the company's website. The beloved Southern breakfast chain is known for staying open through severe weather and often is a measuring stick of a storm’s severity.
Kelsei Frazier, a Florida native living in Pace who is no stranger to hurricanes, knows all about the Waffle House Index.
“We joke because if Waffle House is still open, then you know it’s not a bad hurricane, but all the Waffle Houses that I know of within at least a normal range from us are closed,” said Frazier. “Which is a pretty big deal.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned residents to expect power outages, gasoline shortages and closures of bridges and highways. The state's National Guard deployed about 5,000 soldiers and airmen to help with the response, and search and rescue teams were ready to respond, while some prisons evacuated inmates.
The whole region could get soaked. Isaias is expected to weaken and be downgraded to a tropical storm by Saturday afternoon, the center said. Still, heavy rain is forecast as it moves inland, with 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) or even more expected through the weekend from southern Alabama to southwestern Georgia.
Isaias, which is the first hurricane to hit the eastern U.S. since Milton tore up the Gulf Coast of Florida in 2024, also is expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to much of the Southeast over the weekend, and then to parts of the Midwest and Northeast into Monday.
Isaias grounds flights but likely to miss oil hubs. The storm grounded most Friday flights at several Panhandle airports, including all flights into and out of Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, scrapped his plans to attend Saturday’s football game between the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He said he didn’t want to disrupt the emergency response.
Isaias was expected to miss the oil industry’s biggest hubs along the Gulf Coast, but fuel prices could rise if power outages shut down refineries for processing crude, industry experts said.
On Dauphin Island, a barrier island off the Alabama coast, Mayor Jeff Collier said he didn't expect major damage, “but at the same time, these things are very fickle and a little jog here or there, or some last-minute increase in strength — we just have to be prepared for the worst.”
Meanwhile in the Pacific, Hurricane Simon became a Category 2 storm on Friday and was expected to strengthen further before making landfall in Mexico this weekend.
Tropical Storm Rachel was also expected to bring heavy winds and rain to northern Mexico and Southern California over the weekend.
Hurricane Isaias ripped through the western Florida Panhandle, making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Destin. Being on the west side of the Isaias saved Pensacola from the storm’s flooding rain and storm surge, but not its violent winds.Escambia and Santa Rosa counties experienced extremely strong wind gusts that rivaled Hurricane Ivan from a rare phenomenon called a sting jet. This happens when a powerful jet stream higher up in the atmosphere is brought down to the ground in a cyclone.Full damage ...
Hurricane Isaias ripped through the western Florida Panhandle, making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Destin. Being on the west side of the Isaias saved Pensacola from the storm’s flooding rain and storm surge, but not its violent winds.
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties experienced extremely strong wind gusts that rivaled Hurricane Ivan from a rare phenomenon called a sting jet. This happens when a powerful jet stream higher up in the atmosphere is brought down to the ground in a cyclone.
Full damage reports are still underway, but the National Weather Service has released preliminary information on how hard Isaias hit the area at landfall. Here's how it compared to hurricanes Dennis, Ivan and Sally.
The National Weather Service's report on Hurricane Isaias has not been finalized, but it released data showing the highest wind and rain from preliminary reports. Isaias was thankfully not the rainmaker event initially anticipated in the Penascola area, but the strongest winds were reported west of the storm eye.
Hurricane Sally made landfall as a Category 2 storm in Gulf Shores, Alabama, at 5 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2020, according to the National Weather Service. It had sustained wind speeds of 105 mph, but its slow-moving nature created serious flood and wind damage in the Pensacola area.
The strongest winds were recorded in Alabama, with a 104 mph gust recorded at Dauphin Island. Here's what winds looked like locally:
Hurricane Dennis was a Category 3 storm when it made landfall near Navarre Beach at 1:30 p.m. on July 10, 2005, but it reached Category 4 strength at its peak. Its maximum sustained winds were 120 mph at landfall. The highest wind gust of 121 mph occurred in Navarre Beach (Florida Coastal Monitoring Program tower), where Dennis made landfall, according to the NWS.
For many Pensacola residents, Hurricane Ivan is remembered as the worst storm to hit the area in recent times. It was, indeed, a historic storm that made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane at 1:50 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2004, the same calendar day as Hurricane Sally, just west of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Its maximum wind speeds were 120 mph.
Ivan's strongest wind gust was unofficially recorded by a sailboat anchored in Wolf Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama, according to the NWS, but it remains an outlier to other reports.
NAVARRE, Fla. (WALA) - Residents across the Navarre and Gulf Breeze area spent the day after the storm assessing damage, clearing debris and checking on neighbors.Navarre Beach survives with minimal damageAs darkness still hung over the Florida Panhandle Saturday morning, Navarre Beach was a virtual ghost town. Residents had evacuated, left with the question of what they would find when they returned.With daylight, it became clear the area was spared the worst of the storm. Homes were missing siding and had other ...
NAVARRE, Fla. (WALA) - Residents across the Navarre and Gulf Breeze area spent the day after the storm assessing damage, clearing debris and checking on neighbors.
Navarre Beach survives with minimal damage
As darkness still hung over the Florida Panhandle Saturday morning, Navarre Beach was a virtual ghost town. Residents had evacuated, left with the question of what they would find when they returned.
With daylight, it became clear the area was spared the worst of the storm. Homes were missing siding and had other superficial damage but appeared structurally sound.
Navarre Beach Fire Rescue Fire Chief, Jonathan Kanzigg was out early surveying damage.
“I am ecstatic about how the island looks right now. I had anticipated not being able to move a fire truck on the island which would inhibit our response, but the roads are good. I haven’t seen any structural damage to houses. A lot of superficial...roofs, siding, garage doors. Some houses won’t be inhabitable, but structurally everything looks amazing,” Kanzigg said.
Gulf Breeze, Milton see more severe damage
Damage was more severe to the west. On Highway 98 near Gulf Breeze, campers at Camping World were overturned by strong north winds from the back side of the storm’s eye wall, with one coming close to the highway. Convoys of tree trimming and debris removal crews mobilized in the area. Officials said the area took a significant hit from the western eye wall, with strong north winds downing fences and trees.
Bergren Road was covered in fallen pine trees. Leslie Holcombe spent the morning cutting out trees there and near her home in Milton, where she said the damage looked different.
“We can definitely see what look like tornado tracks up in Milton over and over. Lots of trees down, roofs gone,” Holcombe said.
Neighbors help clear roads
Mark Bergman was cutting a tree out of the roadway so he could check on his home.
“Multiple trees down along Bergren, so I had a chainsaw in my car in preparation for this just in case, to cut my way back, so we’ve been cutting our way through here on Bergren Road and then, a couple of folks from Milton have been here as well, helping cut the trees down and now we’ve got the Santa Rosa County Sheriff here about to pull this tree out of the way with a winch,” Bergman said.
Asked whether people were coming together, Bergman said, “Yeah, they’re coming together. Everyone’s pitching in, taking care of each other which is what it’s all about.”
State crews assist with cleanup
State crews with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrived to help finish clearing trees and reopen the neighborhood.
Public and government agencies worked together through the day to begin restoring the area on the way to recovery.
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News Release GULF BREEZE, Fla — The National Park Service today announced a final rule that expands recreational opportunities for personal watercraft (jet-ski) users at Gulf Islands National Seashore by reducing flat-wake zones in Mississippi and Florida while maintaining important protections for visitor safety and submerged vegetation.The rule also codifies two existing personal watercraft closure areas to reflect current conditions at the Seashore.In Mississippi, the flat-wake zone has been reduced from one-h...
GULF BREEZE, Fla — The National Park Service today announced a final rule that expands recreational opportunities for personal watercraft (jet-ski) users at Gulf Islands National Seashore by reducing flat-wake zones in Mississippi and Florida while maintaining important protections for visitor safety and submerged vegetation.
The rule also codifies two existing personal watercraft closure areas to reflect current conditions at the Seashore.
In Mississippi, the flat-wake zone has been reduced from one-half mile to 300 yards from shore. In Florida, it has been reduced from 300 yards to 150 yards. Outside those zones, personal watercraft may operate at higher speeds where otherwise allowed.
"This update reflects our commitment to providing high-quality recreational opportunities while continuing to protect the unique natural and cultural resources at Gulf Islands National Seashore," said Rick Clark, superintendent of Gulf Islands National Seashore. "These changes allow visitors to enjoy the seashore safely while helping us protect the resources that make this place so special."
The changes are based on research showing that reducing the flat-wake zones will continue to protect sensitive underwater habitats, including seagrass, while allowing personal watercraft users to operate at higher speeds closer to shore. The rule also formally incorporates existing closures around West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier into park regulations to reflect current conditions.
The updated rule supports Executive Order 14314, Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks, which directs federal land management agencies to expand recreational access while continuing to protect public lands and resources. For more information about Gulf Islands National Seashore, visit www.nps.gov/guis.
See attached images of maps illustrating wake areas in the state of Florida and Mississippi managed by Gulf Islands National Seashore.
PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — With Hurricane Isaias closing in on the Gulf Coast, residents across the Florida Panhandle are taking precautions as they prepare for the season’s first hurricane.On Pensacola Beach, many residents were already making plans to leave the shore and move somewhere safer. One of those family are the McCulley.“It’s a smart decision to get off the shore here and get to where it’s safer,” said Libby McCulley.Libby and her family say the idea of dealing with a hu...
PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — With Hurricane Isaias closing in on the Gulf Coast, residents across the Florida Panhandle are taking precautions as they prepare for the season’s first hurricane.
On Pensacola Beach, many residents were already making plans to leave the shore and move somewhere safer. One of those family are the McCulley.
“It’s a smart decision to get off the shore here and get to where it’s safer,” said Libby McCulley.
Libby and her family say the idea of dealing with a hurricane with four young children is not ideal. The family has since decided to stay with relatives to ride out the storm.
“Part of the reason we are going to stay with family is to hopefully we’ll have power, access to water and all the necessities for the kids,” said Libby.
Libby’s daughter, Eleanore, shared her feelings as the family finds safety.
“I’m also a bit nervous about it because I don’t really want our house to get flooded,” she said.
All day Thursday, evacuations were ordered for Pensacola Beach and other at-risk areas as the storm gets closer. Ambulances and power crews were staged nearby, while some businesses boarded up.
In Gulf Breeze, Florida, business owners are among those bracing for the storm. Donald Knapp, owner of Islander Ice Cream, said he’s packed away 180 gallons of ice cream, including Snickers and Crazy Coconut, in a freezer to protect his business in a worst-case scenario.
“We make ice cream weekly, based on demand,” he said.
The seven-month-old business is now closed as Knapp protects his shop and inventory from Isaias’ potential damage. 7News cameras captured him and others hard at work boarding up their windows with plywood.
“Trying to take care of it so it doesn’t get destroyed or damaged. We have a lot of window and glass in the front of the building,” he said.
The business owner said the approaching storm caught him off guard, but he was quick to prepare.
“Just woke up yesterday morning and the storm is like at your front porch coming at us,” said Knapp.
Isaias is expected to strengthen to near Category 3 before making landfall somewhere along the northern Gulf Coast this weekend.
For newer residents, preparing for a hurricane is an entirely new experience. Mandi Quam recently moved to the area from Minnesota and said she has little hurricane experience. She was among those picking up sandbags ahead of the storm.
“I thought hurricane season was over,” said Quam.
Several locations have been set up across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to provide residents with sandbags to protect themselves from rising water.
“You can prepare for a snowstorm, but this — I don’t know what to expect, so we’ll see,” said Quam.
Area resident Ivy Flom said she was nervous about Isaias.
“I’m nervous, definitely. This is not — When we first moved here, this was the least thing we expected,” she said.
Sandbags were in high demand as many residents prepared for more than just strong winds. They are also concerned about potential water damage.
“Water is coming into our yard, getting into the little floor and the car damage and everything else. Its potential. Lots of things to worry about,” said area resident Scott Finelli.
“The pool will be full. We’ve done it before. We’ve dug it out. How many wheelbarrows was it? 30? At the pool,” said resident Ellen Finelli.
Local officials urged residents to use the time before the storm’s arrival to prepare.
“Today is the day to prepare. That means having enough water, flashlights and batteries. Putting your prescription medications in waterproof containers,” said Pensacola Mayor DC Reeves.
“We got 1.8 million new Floridians in the state of Florida since 2018. A lot of them have no idea what they are in for,” said U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis.
The demand for home generators was also surging as residents rush to make sure they would have backup power if the storm knocks out electricity.
Andrew Paseur, who installs home generators, said he was swamped with calls all day.
“We’ve had 40 calls. People want it done and I get it,” he said.
While many spent Thursday preparing, others took advantage of the calm, overcast conditions along the coast, despite red flags flying at the beach.
Back at Islander Ice Cream, Knapp said he is focused on protecting his business and its frozen inventory while hoping Isaias doesn’t hit too strong.
“Like if the power goes out for three days, hopefully [Florida Power & Light] will get us connected pretty quick and we will be able to rock on,” he said.
As for evacuation zones, local officials are urging residents to know where the shelters are and what type of structure is the resident living in to get an idea of whether or not they should evacuate their home.
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