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 Fort Walton Historical Marker in Fort Walton Beach, 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 Fort Walton Beach, 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 Fort Walton Beach Landing Park in Fort Walton Beach, 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 Sealand Restaurant or visit The Mound Historic Marker, 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 Fort Walton Beach, 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 Fort Walton Beach, 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 Fort Walton Beach, 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.
SHAREPENSACOLA, Fla. — Isaias has downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone as the storm continues to move north.Isaias made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane as it passed through the Florida Panhandle.State leaders are awaiting to review any damage in the storm's wake.Live cameras at Pensacola Beach showed darkening skies, rough surf and strengthening winds as the storm approached.In Okaloosa County, utility crews are standing by to restore power and repair lines if outages occur. Businesses across the ...
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PENSACOLA, Fla. — Isaias has downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone as the storm continues to move north.
Isaias made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane as it passed through the Florida Panhandle.
State leaders are awaiting to review any damage in the storm's wake.
Live cameras at Pensacola Beach showed darkening skies, rough surf and strengthening winds as the storm approached.
In Okaloosa County, utility crews are standing by to restore power and repair lines if outages occur. Businesses across the county boarded up windows ahead of the storm.
Spectrum Bay News 9 and Spectrum News 13 have crews along the Panhandle and the Nature Coast. Follow updates below.
7 a.m.
Spectrum News reporter Sarah Winkelmann provides an update from Pensacola in the aftermath of the storm.
11 p.m.
Spectrum News reporter Rhian Lowndes shows some tree damage in For Walton Beach after Isaias ripped through the area.
11 p.m.
Power outages across the Florida Panhandle:
ESCAMBIA: Total Customers Out: 108,860
SANTA ROSA: Total Customers Out: 75,590
OKALOOSA: Total Customers Out: 37,900
WALTON: Total Customers Out: 13,200
HOLMES: Total Customers Out: 600
WASHINGTON: Total Customers Out: 7,010
BAY: Total Customers Out: 22,620
JACKSON: Total Customers Out: 440
10:30 p.m.
Spectrum Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay talks about the landfall of Isaias, the chance of overnight storms and how the hurricane compared to previous ones.
10 p.m.
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, around 9:30 p.m. EDT with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Now that the hurricane has moved inland, the issue will turn to a vast area of tropical storm force winds into midday Saturday for the Florida Panhandle and then Southern Alabama. Rhian Lowndes reports.
9 p.m.
As Isaias nears landfall, power in southern Okalossa County flickers, with reports of downed trees and power lines. Rhian Lowndes reports.
8:30 p.m.
Flash Flood Warnings alerts have been extended to 1:15 a.m. in Fort Walton Beach as communities brace through Hurricane Isaias. Rhain Lowndes reports.
8 p.m.
Jason Delgado reports more than 100,000 without power in Escambia County as the eyewall of Isaias begins to move onshore in Florida's Panhandle.
7 p.m.
Rhian Lowndes is at Fort Walton Beach as winds pick up Friday evening.
5:30 p.m.
Rhian Lowndes reported from Fort Walton Beach just after 5:30 p.m.
5 p.m.
Jason Delgado is reporting from Pensacola, which is in the storm’s path.
In this video, Jason reports just after 5 p.m. as Isaias barreled toward the Panhandle.
5 p.m.
Jeff Van Sant reports just after 5 p.m. from Crystal River, where a coastal flood advisory was issued and where residents and businesses were keeping an eye on conditions.
NORTHWEST FLORIDA (WALA) - Evacuation orders have been issued and storm shelters are opening for parts of the Northwest Florida coast.OKALOOSA COUNTYA mandatory evacuation takes effect Thursday at noon for coastal areas in zones A and B. That includes Okaloosa Island, parts of coastal Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Mary Esther and Niceville.Out-of-town visitors have been told to leave the area. Those with questions should contact their rental or reservation service.Two shelters open at 6 p.m. Thursday. The firs...
NORTHWEST FLORIDA (WALA) - Evacuation orders have been issued and storm shelters are opening for parts of the Northwest Florida coast.
OKALOOSA COUNTY
A mandatory evacuation takes effect Thursday at noon for coastal areas in zones A and B. That includes Okaloosa Island, parts of coastal Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Mary Esther and Niceville.
Out-of-town visitors have been told to leave the area. Those with questions should contact their rental or reservation service.
Two shelters open at 6 p.m. Thursday. The first is Davidson Middle School in Crestview. It is for the general population and those with special needs, and it is pet friendly.
The other shelter is at the Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
In Escambia County, evacuation orders went into effect at noon Thursday for zones A and B, along with anyone living in low-lying areas, county officials said.
Two shelters also opened at 3 p.m. Thursday in Pensacola. The Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St., is available for the general population.
The Marie K. Young-Wedgewood Community Center, 6405 Wagner Rd., is open for those with special needs.
Officials said Escambia County Public Works crews have inspected all county stormwater ponds and have drained water levels where necessary. Crews will continue to monitor stormwater pond levels throughout the week to ensure outfalls are clear.
ECAT will resume providing free transportation to the at 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9 and will operate as long as weather conditions allow.
The Citizen Information Line is available 24 hours a day for residents to call with questions or concerns at 850-471-6600
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officials in Santa Rosa County ordered evacuations for zone A and B, as well as those living in low-lying areas and mobile homes.
The Clyde L. Gracey Community Center, 5629 Byrom St. in Milton, is available as a shelter for residents who want to evacuate or do not feel safe in their homes. No pre-registration is required.
This shelter is also a pet-friendly shelter. Pets must be in carriers with proof of vaccinations. Owners must bring all pet food and supplies, including water, leashes and/or litter boxes with litter, officials said.
Meals are not provided at the shelters.
Anyone needing transportation assistance to a shelter should call 850-983-4636. Transportation will only be provided if winds are below tropical storm force (so call early) and will only take you to a designated shelter.
Those going to the shelters should bring identification, food, prescriptions, clothing, blankets.
Videos from Destin, Pensacola Beach, Fort Walton Beach and 30A showed rough seas, flooded roadsHurricane Isaias battered Florida’s Panhandle on Friday as dangerous surf, hurricane-force winds and heavy rain swept across popular beach communities. These include Pensacola Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre Beach, Miramar Beach and Scenic Highway 30A.Videos shared on social media showed towering waves crashing over beaches, strong winds whipping palm trees and areas flooded by storm surge. Local authorities closed b...
Hurricane Isaias battered Florida’s Panhandle on Friday as dangerous surf, hurricane-force winds and heavy rain swept across popular beach communities. These include Pensacola Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre Beach, Miramar Beach and Scenic Highway 30A.
Videos shared on social media showed towering waves crashing over beaches, strong winds whipping palm trees and areas flooded by storm surge. Local authorities closed beaches, urged residents to stay indoors and warned against entering the Gulf as conditions rapidly deteriorated.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Isaias was a Category 3 major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kmph) during the afternoon as it approached the western Florida Panhandle. By early evening, the eyewall was nearing the coast with winds of 115 mph, prompting an Extreme Wind Warning for parts of the region.
Also read: When does Hurricane Isaias make landfall today? Latest updates as Florida faces power outages and extreme wind warnings
Conditions worsened rapidly across the Emerald Coast throughout Friday.
The National Hurricane Center reported wind gusts of 47 mph at Navarre Beach during the afternoon, while weather stations later recorded gusts approaching 75 mph near Perdido Bay as the hurricane’s eyewall neared the coastline.
A flash flood emergency was also issued for areas in and around Destin. A user on X shared the videos of the beach in Destin and wrote, “The wrath of category 3 major Hurricane Isaias has arrived in Fort Walton Beach to Destin, Florida with winds gusting over 80 mph. Ears popping with wind surges.”
Pensacola Beach was also evacuated earlier in the day as lifeguards cleared the shoreline and emergency officials warned residents to seek shelter immediately. A video shared by Ali Reid of NBC showed damaged streets with branches of trees scattered throughout. “Downtown #pensacola right now as #isaias shows its wrath here in #florida … trees down everywhere. Power out for much of the city. #flwx @accuweather.”
Videos circulating online showed waves pounding seawalls in Fort Walton Beach. Another X user shared a video of the streets flooded with water. “FLOODING and an EXTREME WIND WARNING happening now in Fort Walton Beach, FL as of 6pm. #FLwx #Isaias”
Other clips from Miramar Beach and Scenic Highway 30A captured sheets of rain, low visibility and powerful gusts blowing across normally crowded tourist areas.
A use driving in the car share a video from Miramar beach and wrote, “Things are getting spicy in Miramar Beach.”
Authorities warned that the most dangerous conditions would occur near and east of the hurricane’s centre, where storm surge could reach 6 to 9 feet in vulnerable coastal communities.
Also read : What happened to James Talarico? Texas Senate hopeful returns to campaign trail after lengthy absence
The National Hurricane Center warned that hurricane-force winds extend well beyond the eye, while tropical-storm-force winds cover a much larger area.
Forecasters said Isaias could produce 4 to 8 inches of rainfall, with isolated totals reaching 15 inches across parts of the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and southwest Georgia. The rainfall could trigger life-threatening flash flooding well inland.
Meteorologists also warned that tornadoes were possible across Florida, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas as the storm moved inland.
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. -- A Fort Walton Beach woman is trying to rebuild her life after her food truck exploded early Tuesday morning.Many neighbors took to social media Tuesday terrified, saying the "boom" woke them up out of their sleep.The Fort Walton Beach Fire Chief says this was an accident, and it could have been deadly.Jodean Sweetland, who owns the "JD's Kitchen" food truck, says she thanks God she wasn't there at the time of the explosion. But she's now reeling in the aftermath."...
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. -- A Fort Walton Beach woman is trying to rebuild her life after her food truck exploded early Tuesday morning.
Many neighbors took to social media Tuesday terrified, saying the "boom" woke them up out of their sleep.
The Fort Walton Beach Fire Chief says this was an accident, and it could have been deadly.
Jodean Sweetland, who owns the "JD's Kitchen" food truck, says she thanks God she wasn't there at the time of the explosion. But she's now reeling in the aftermath.
"I was shocked. I don't know what to say," Sweetland said. "I'm just standing, looking. I don't know what to say."
Just before 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department says a propane tank exploded at JD's Kitchen on Perry Avenue.
The burst ripped through the food truck, leaving it a complete loss.
"The 100-pound cylinder was found to be turned on and leaking slowly from a broken regulator," said Thearon Shipman, fire chief for the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department. "The 20 pound cylinder was also turned on, but it was empty."
Fire Chief Shipman says investigators believe propane was slowly leaking into the food truck because of a broken part on the tank.
Once enough gas was built up inside, a spark from the refrigerator may have ignited it, causing the explosion.
"They found walls missing," Shipman said. "The roof was missing."
Sweetland says she opened the Jamaican cuisine truck just two months ago.
Shipman says the incident is a reminder of how deadly propane can be.
"Luckily, there were no injuries," Shipman said. "Anybody that has used propane as a form of cooking with things such as food trucks, please inspect them regularly. Make sure your regulators are functioning properly and please double check, make sure that the propane is off. All it takes is for a slow leak to start."
The two food trucks next to JD's kitchen, "El Rey Taco Max" and "Mariscos Locos" are still open and running.
To help Sweetland get back on her feet, you can do so here.
Watch Sweetland's full interview below:
850.797.8710
