News Release

Seashore Closing for Tropical Storm Fred

Date: August 15, 2021
Contact: Stephenie Wade

GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- Gulf Islands National Seashore will close the Okaloosa Area, Opal Beach Complex and Highway 399 in addition to the Fort Pickens Area beginning August 15 at 10 p.m., in response to Tropical Storm Fred approaching the Northwest Florida area.  

A mandatory evacuation of the Fort Pickens Campground began August 14, with all campers and staff expected to leave by noon August 15. All campground reservations will be postponed or cancelled until further notice.

The above areas will remain closed until further notice. All other areas will remain open for day use.The severe weather is anticipated to cause flooding of roads and campgrounds, dangerous surf conditions, and overwash. High winds and heavy rain fall in combination with high tide can push sand and water onto roads, making it unsafe for travel.

Park staff will continue to assess conditions throughout the weekend and will reevaluate all park areas Monday, August 16 for reopening conditions and announce updates as appropriate.

For more information, please follow the parks 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 habitat. Visit us at www.nps.gov/GulfIslands, on Facebook www.facebook.com/GulfIslandsNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/GulfIslandsNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/GulfIslandsNPS.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.