Franklin and Gulf County issue evacuation orders ahead of potential Hurricane Helene

UPDATE 9/25: A mandatory evacuation has been issued for Highland View, Wind Mark, St. Joe Beach, Beacon Hill, and the City of Port St. Joe from the bay to Garrison Avenue by 8:00 a.m. Thursday.

GULF COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Gulf and Franklin County are issuing mandatory evacuation orders due to the track and intensity of Hurricane Helene.

Franklin County Emergency Management Officials have issued a mandatory evacuation for all barrier islands (St. George Island, Dog Island, Bald Point, and Alligator Point), low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially along the coast and rivers, mobile homes, and RV parks.

This order is effective Tuesday, September 24, at 12:00 p.m.

Gulf County Emergency Management Officials have issued mandatory evacuations for all visitors in Indian Pass, Cape San Blas, and Simmons Bayou. As well as for all recreational vehicles (RVs) in these areas.

This order is effective Wednesday, September 25, at 8:00 a.m.

“If you feel unsafe, then do not shelter at home; leave until the storm has passed and then return. Remember that if you have health concerns, EMS will not be able to respond if wind speeds reach 40 mph sustained. It is unsafe for ambulances to be dispatched in high winds,” Franklin County Emergency Management officials said.

In Franklin County, sandbag distribution locations will be open Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Franklin County is no longer providing filled sandbags, however, they will have empty bags and sand at the locations provided. You must bring your own shovel.

Sandbag locations are:

• The Old State Yard – 1090 Bluff Rd, Apalachicola, FL

• Vrooman Park – 30 6th St, Eastpoint, FL

• Old Courthouse Annex – 1647 HWY 98, Carrabelle, FL

• SGI Firehouse – 324 E Pine Ave, St. George Island, FL

• Franklin County Schools will be closed on 9/25/24 – 9/27/24.

Gulf County sandbag locations are:

• 725 Knowles Avenue (outside the public works gate)

• Indian Pass boat ramp

Both Gulf County locations are self-serve and you must bring your own bags and shovel.

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