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 Destin History & Fishing Museum in Destin, 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 Destin, 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”
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“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 Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, 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 Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit HarborWalk Village, 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 Destin, 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 Destin, 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 Destin, 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.
(WPDE) — Isaias made landfall at 9:30 p.m. EST on Friday near Destin, Florida, Friday evening and continues to move northward across the Deep South.As it continues on this track, it will rapidly weaken, but gusty winds and heavy rain will continue through the Tennessee River Valley into Saturday afternoon.As the storm moves inland, well west of the Carolinas, there will be indirect but notable impacts for the Grand Strand, Pee Dee and Border Belt regions through the weekend.Locally, expect heavy rainfall, gusty win...
(WPDE) — Isaias made landfall at 9:30 p.m. EST on Friday near Destin, Florida, Friday evening and continues to move northward across the Deep South.
As it continues on this track, it will rapidly weaken, but gusty winds and heavy rain will continue through the Tennessee River Valley into Saturday afternoon.
As the storm moves inland, well west of the Carolinas, there will be indirect but notable impacts for the Grand Strand, Pee Dee and Border Belt regions through the weekend.
Locally, expect heavy rainfall, gusty winds to 35 mph or slightly higher, and coastal flooding with the new moon. The latest futurecast shows the heavier rain bands throughout the weekend:
Here's the timeline of what to expect this weekend:
Rain amounts will range from generally 2" to 5", with locally heavier amounts possible in a few passing squalls.
Winds are not expected to be extremely bad across the region overall, but a few gusts could briefly go over 35 mph in those passing squalls or thunderstorms on Sunday.
Two models suggest a similar scenario - a few gusty periods, but not on the order of causing major damage.
The squalls on Sunday have the ability to spawn an isolated tornado. Be weather-aware throughout the day.
Persistent east-northeast winds and the new moon will create a good possibility of King Tides and that coastal flooding, especially late Saturday into Sunday.
Overall, a rainy weekend with some heavier downpours, a few spots seeing some flash flooding, gusty but not widespread damaging winds, and a decent amount of minor to possibly moderate coastal flooding.
Check out the WPDE app for the latest and stay in touch with the ABC 15 Weather Authority Team all weekend for the latest local weather updates.
By SOPHIE BATES, EMILIE MEGNIEN, HALLIE GOLDEN and JOHN SEEWERGULF BREEZE, Fla. (AP) — Isaias crashed into the U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday as a dangerous Category 2 hurricane, hammering communities in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle with damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding and life-threatening storm surges.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...
By SOPHIE BATES, EMILIE MEGNIEN, HALLIE GOLDEN and JOHN SEEWER
GULF BREEZE, Fla. (AP) — Isaias crashed into the U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday as a dangerous Category 2 hurricane, hammering communities in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle with damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding and life-threatening storm surges.
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 and by early Saturday was no longer considered a hurricane as its wind speeds continued to decrease.
“The storm is here. Buckle down at this point. Don’t be getting out on the roads,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference, adding that flash flooding would be a hazard “throughout the region.”
Hurricane-force winds lashed the Gulf shoreline in the low-lying coastal area known for powdery white-sand beaches dotted with vacation homes, waterfront bars, and seafood shacks. Forecasters warned the conditions could also stir up tornadoes across the Florida Panhandle and into southern Georgia.
“We’re watching it very closely, the hurricane,” President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House late Friday night as he returned from a rally in upstate New York, adding that it was “under control.”
Roads in Destin were flooded, while in nearby Pensacola, police warned residents to stay off the streets because of debris across roadways. While the extent of the damage was not immediately known, many area residents posted pictures online of downed trees and power lines, and one social media video showed a roof being ripped off an inn in Pensacola.
Some Panhandle counties temporarily suspended emergency response Friday night because of dangerous conditions.
Parts of southern Alabama also were flooded, with officials in Mobile reporting downed trees and power lines. Roads in Houston County, which is in the southeastern corner of the state, were closed because of similar conditions.
More than 664,000 customers in Florida and Alabama were without power early Saturday, according to poweroutage.com.
Tim Mowry, who rode out the storm from his home in Pensacola, said the wind was so intense it sounded like a train whistle as it whipped through a crack in his patio door. He lost power around 4:30 p.m. but was able to rely on a generator. Standing water also covered his backyard, and parts of his fence were ripped down, but overall he said the storm wasn’t as bad as he expected.
“As far as Pensacola-wise, we really got fortunate,” Mowry said.
Mowry said his son, who lives about 15 minutes away, tried to drive to his home after losing power but had to turn around because downed trees and power lines blocked the roads.
One of the biggest concerns is a storm surge that could reach 3 to 5 feet (0.91 to 1.52 meters) from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Florida’s Aucilla River, according to the hurricane center.
Dangerous conditions are expected throughout the western panhandle, southern Alabama and southern Mississippi, the National Hurricane Center said. Several counties announced mandatory evacuations while Mobile, Alabama, imposed a curfew through Saturday morning.
In a sign of how serious the warnings are, dozens of Waffle Houses in the Florida Panhandle closed, according to the company’s website. The beloved Southern breakfast chain is known for staying open through severe weather and often serves as a measure of a storm’s severity.
Kelsei Frazier, a Florida native living in Pace and 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.
DeSantis warned residents to expect gasoline shortages and bridge and highway closures.
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.
Isaias was already slowing after landfall, and it was expected to weaken further 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, the first hurricane to hit the eastern U.S. since Milton tore up the Gulf Coast of Florida in 2024, is also expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to much of the Southeast over the weekend, then to parts of the Midwest and Northeast into Monday.
The storm grounded most Friday flights at several panhandle airports, including all flights into and out of Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. 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 emergency response efforts.
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.
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.
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Megnien reported from Panama City, Florida, Golden reported from Seattle, and Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. Seth Borenstein and Collin Binkley in Washington; Rio Yamat in Las Vegas; Gerald Herbert in Pensacola, Florida; Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut; Sarah Raza in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; and Laura Turbay in Little Rock, Arkansas contributed to this report.
NWS Doppler Radar data indicate that Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, around 8:30 PM CDT (0130 UTC) with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h). The estimated minimum central pressure is 971 mb (28.67 inches).A NOAA National Ocean Service water level gauge in Panama City Beach, Florida, recently reported a water level of 5.6 feet above mean higher high water, which is an approximation of inundation in that area.Isaias became the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Wednesday night and...
NWS Doppler Radar data indicate that Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, around 8:30 PM CDT (0130 UTC) with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h). The estimated minimum central pressure is 971 mb (28.67 inches).
A NOAA National Ocean Service water level gauge in Panama City Beach, Florida, recently reported a water level of 5.6 feet above mean higher high water, which is an approximation of inundation in that area.
Isaias became the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Wednesday night and strengthened into a major hurricane Friday morning.
The worst of Isaias is over for the NBC-15 area, however through the overnight, a few tropical storm force wind gusts will remain possible. Even though the worst is over with Isaias, please wait until after sunrise to assess any damage. Given the extensive amount of tree and powerline damage, it simply isn't advisable to be out and about during this time given the danger. That will also give first responders time to respond to where they are needed first.
A of 1AM Isaias had lost its tropical characteristics and is now a post-tropical cyclone.
As Isaias continues to move north, the influence it will have on our weather will become less and less. For our Saturday, it will still be gusty with occasional gusts upwards of 30 mph across the area. Other than that though, we'll check in with partly cloudy to partly sunny skies with highs that will run in the 70s for most. A few light showers can't be ruled out, however, most look to stay dry.
From the end of the weekend into the workweek, we'll settle into a calm stretch of weather. It will get a little warm as highs will reach the upper 80s most of the week, however, with lower humidity, nights will be comfortable with lows in the 60s. Expect mostly sunny skies during the days and mostly clear skies at night.
BEACH: While Isaias influence on our weather will be ending Saturday, it's important to remember it always takes a little time Gulf waters to calm down. The High Surf Warning remains in effect through midnight Saturday night. Waves will gradually subside during the day, but they will still be high. The double red flags that mean the water is CLOSED will remain for Saturday as the rip current risk remains HIGH. By Sunday, single red flags are likely, but some yellow flags (moderate risk) could be mixed in. For Columbus Day on Monday, Gulf waters should be calm again allowing for either green or yellow flags.
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- A mandatory evacuation -- effective Thursday at noon -- has been ordered for Okaloosa County residents living in the coastal areas of Zones A and B due to Hurricane Isaias.This includes residents living on Okaloosa Island, portions of coastal Fort Walton Beach, portions of coastal Destin, portions of coastal Mary Esther and Niceville.Look up your address here, click the search button and you will be able to view your zone designation and an option to view a map.Okaloosa County is also asking all ...
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- A mandatory evacuation -- effective Thursday at noon -- has been ordered for Okaloosa County residents living in the coastal areas of Zones A and B due to Hurricane Isaias.
This includes residents living on Okaloosa Island, portions of coastal Fort Walton Beach, portions of coastal Destin, portions of coastal Mary Esther and Niceville.
Look up your address here, click the search button and you will be able to view your zone designation and an option to view a map.
Okaloosa County is also asking all out-of-town visitors to evacuate from the forecast area of impacts. Visitors with questions about their reservation should reach out to their related reservation service.
Two shelters will open on Thursday at 6 p.m. to receive evacuating residents of Okaloosa County.
WHAT TO BRING
DO NOT BRING:
Okaloosa County has declared a local state of emergency as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.
A local state of emergency will be in effect for seven days unless rescinded or extended as allowed by Florida law. The emergency declaration gives the County Administrator and emergency managers the ability to quickly take certain actions to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community, and provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.
“We take disaster preparedness and response seriously in Okaloosa County and want to make sure every individual has the resources they need to keep themselves and their family safe,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “I encourage everyone to have multiple ways to stay informed and listen to your emergency officials and trusted news sources.”
The EOC is activated at Level 2 as of Wednesday at 12 p.m. and will move toward Level 1 with more manpower and resources beginning Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at 7 a.m.
Evacuation orders for Escambia and Santa Rosa County also went into effect at noon Thursday. This includes many coastal and low lying areas as well as people living in mobile homes.
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