Weather

Freeze Watch issued for Okaloosa, cold weather shelter to open

Northwest Florida counties are under a Freeze Watch starting Friday night, with potential damage to vegetation and plumbing. Local shelters are opening to protect vulnerable residents.

Jared Williams

Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in parts of Northwest Florida starting Friday night, prompting officials to issue weather alerts and open emergency shelters for those in need.

Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox announced that the National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Freeze Watch for inland areas of Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties. The watch will be in effect from midnight to 7 a.m. on November 30.

Officials warn that frost and freeze conditions could damage crops and sensitive vegetation, as well as potentially harm unprotected outdoor plumbing.

In response to the cold weather threat, the Crestview Area Shelter for the homeless will open its doors at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 29, and continue operations through Sunday, December 1. The shelter is located at 120 Duggan Ave in Crestview and can be reached at 850-398-5670.

While South Okaloosa County has not announced shelter openings at this time, officials will reassess the situation Friday morning to determine if additional shelters are needed.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Amber Arntz commented on Kite Festival set to return to The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

“Are they flying today during the rain?”

Respond

Jeffrey Adams commented on Fort Walton Beach Fire Department dedicates new engine to retired firefighter Calvin “P-Nut” Pina

“I was hired at Bass Pro in 2018 as ‘front end lead’, although I knew nothing about hunting, fishing, camping, gun handling, etc. I was a tall white dude with...”

Keith commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“Oscar, it's going to be ok. It's not some random purchase: Its right next to the park property, appraised at higher than they acquired it for, will be used for...”

JACK MCALLISTER commented on Walton County TDC unanimously supports bringing PGA Tour event to the area

“The Emerald Coast Classic at Sandestin was a golf tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour. It was played in April 2021 at Raven Golf Club at Sandestin Golf and Beach...”

BIG EASY commented on Fort Walton Beach Fire Department dedicates new engine to retired firefighter Calvin “P-Nut” Pina

“I’m a great friend and brother to Pnut! You’ll never meet a more personable and friendly guy!! Being familiar with his service and dedication to the community, this is a...”

Jack commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“Tourism increase when you can't get anywhere by car because of the traffic? Yeah we need more of that.”

Barry commented on Kite Festival set to return to The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

“If it rains on Sunday, is there a back up plan?”

Matt Nece commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“That's part of Liza Jackson park, which is being renovated. It says it in the article.”

“It's from the bed tax otherwise known as tourism money from the hotels. It can only be used to promote tourism. There isn't local taxpayer money.”

Jan commented on destin-parking-dolphin-point

“How will this impact owners? It seems there are quite a few of these condos coming on the market this spring.”

Freeze Watch issued for Okaloosa, cold weather shelter to open

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Join Our Newsletter

Community Comments

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER