News Release

Gulf Islands National Seashore Closes in Preparation for Incoming Weather

Date: October 10, 2023

GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- Gulf Islands National Seashore will close some Florida park areas to all visitors beginning at 8:00 p.m., October 10, in preparation for incoming weather.  The weather is expected to consist of gusty winds of 25 to 35 MPH, 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, and onshore surf heights of 8 to 11 feet.  These conditions are expected to cause significant standing water and over wash, creating unsafe and possibly impassable travel.
 
Closed areas will include: Fort Pickens Road and areas including the Fort Pickens Campground, and the Opal Beach Complex.  Campers currently in the campground will need to evacuate by 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 11. All campground reservations will be canceled until further notice beginning Wednesday.

“Due to potentially deteriorating conditions forecasted by the National Weather Service office and past experiences, there is a significant likelihood of flooding on park roadways leading the park to close some Florida areas until further notice,” said Darrell Echols, Superintendent. “We understand the impact that these types of closures have on our visitors and the community, but our priority is to ensure the safest environment possible for visitors and staff. The park will announce changes as appropriate.” 

For more information, please follow the park’s social media accounts and website.
 
About Gulf Islands National Seashore: Created in 1971, the national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitats. Visit us at www.nps.gov/guis, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.