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From local reopenings to community relief efforts, here's how our beach communities are moving forward and how you can help.
Photo by Ragan Smith In the days since Hurricane Isaias swept through the Emerald Coast, life along 30A has been far from normal.
Across South Walton, residents, business owners, emergency crews, and volunteers have been dealing with fallen trees, storm debris, property damage, and disruptions to daily life. For many, cleanup is underway. For others, the road to recovery will take considerably longer.
Still, signs of recovery are beginning to emerge.
Hotels and restaurants are beginning to welcome guests again. Local organizations are rallying to help families and animals affected by the storm. And throughout our coastal communities, neighbors are finding ways to look out for one another.
Here’s a look at how recovery is taking shape, where to find help, and how you can make a difference.
The St. Joe Company has confirmed that all five of its 30A hotels are open and accepting new reservations as of October 12.
The properties include The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach, WaterColor Inn & Resort, Camp Creek Inn, Watersound Inn, and The Lodge 30A.
While hotel operations have resumed, some amenities and services remain limited as cleanup and repairs continue. These include certain beach access points, beach club facilities, and golf courses. Guests are encouraged to check individual property updates before making travel plans.
If you have an upcoming vacation rental reservation, please contact your rental company or property manager directly for the latest information on property conditions, availability, cancellations, or changes to your booking.
There’s good news from local businesses, too. Most restaurants, cafés, and stores along 30A have reopened, although some are still operating with limited menus or services. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check for the latest updates before visiting.
For those wondering how they can help, local organizations are already putting community support to work. Whether it’s helping families affected by the storm, rebuilding damaged facilities, or caring for animals in need, there are several ways to help.
For the hundreds of rescued animals who call Alaqua Animal Refuge’s 100-acre property in Freeport home, it’s a place of safety, healing, and second chances. Many have already endured cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, making the refuge’s mission all the more meaningful.
Hurricane Isaias left significant damage across the property, toppling large trees, damaging fencing and gates, and compromising animal shelters and pasture enclosures.
Despite the damage, Alaqua shared some welcome news:
“We feel incredibly blessed that all of our animals are safe and unharmed. Our property is another story, but we can rebuild,” Alaqua Animal Refuge shared in a statement.
The team is now clearing debris, assessing repairs, and working to restore the shelters and enclosures these animals depend on every day.
Alaqua is also helping other animals affected by the storm. The refuge has been working with the Florida State Animal Response Coalition to support the distribution of more than 41,000 pounds of dog and cat food donated by Greater Good Charities to help shelter animals in need.
How you can help: Financial donations are Alaqua’s most immediate need. Contributions will help remove fallen trees and debris, repair fencing and gates, restore animal shelters and pasture enclosures, and ensure the refuge remains a safe haven for the animals who need it most.
Click here to support Alaqua Animal Refuge’s Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts.
For many families across Okaloosa and Walton counties, the road to recovery from Hurricane Isaias is just beginning. From flooded homes and fallen trees to power outages and property damage, the storm has left many neighbors facing difficult days ahead.
United Way Emerald Coast is working alongside nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government partners to identify where help is needed most and connect communities with the resources and support they need.
The organization has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to support individuals and families affected by the storm, assist local nonprofits responding to emerging needs, and help communities recover and rebuild in the weeks and months ahead.
How you can help: Donations to United Way’s Disaster Relief Fund will help support ongoing recovery efforts as community needs become clearer. Those eager to lend a hand can also register for future volunteer opportunities. United Way is not deploying volunteers at this time, while emergency responders continue their critical work.
Click here to support United Way’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Sign up here to be notified of future volunteer opportunities.
If you or someone you know has been affected by Hurricane Isaias, several resources are available to help connect residents with assistance and official recovery information.
211 Northwest Florida
The free, confidential 211 service connects individuals and families with resources for food, shelter, housing, transportation, and other essential needs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
● Dial 211
● Call 855-420-8689
● Visit 211 Northwest Florida
● Text 898-211, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walton County Storm Debris Collection
Walton County has approved storm debris removal from public and private county roadways following Hurricane Isaias. Collection will begin as crews coordinate cleanup efforts, with priority given to safety and the most affected areas.
Residents should separate storm debris by type and place it near the roadside, within 10 feet of the road, without blocking driveways, sidewalks, mailboxes, or utility equipment. Regular household trash should remain separate.
For detailed debris preparation guidelines, visit Walton County Emergency Management’s official update.
For questions, call the Walton County Community Information Center at 850-892-8394.
Report Storm Damage
Property owners are encouraged to report damage so local officials can assess community needs and coordinate recovery efforts.
● Walton County Residential Damage Assessment
● Walton County Business Damage Assessment
Official Emergency and Recovery Information
For updates on beach access, public safety, roads, utilities, and other conditions, follow official local sources:
● Walton County Emergency Management
● Florida Power & Light Storm Center
Conditions and access restrictions may change as cleanup continues, so please check the latest official information before traveling to affected areas.
A Quick Beach Safety Reminder
If you’re heading to the beach, please check the current beach flag conditions before you go, and continue to follow any posted warnings or beach access restrictions as recovery efforts continue.
Even as recovery continues, the fall calendar offers opportunities for our community to come together, reconnect, and support the local businesses and organizations that make this stretch of coast so special.
Some favorite fall events are coming up:
● RUN WATERSOUND 5K & 10K, October 24: A chance to get outdoors, gather with friends and neighbors, and enjoy an active morning together. Click here to register.
● Watersound Origins Porchfest, October 25: Rescheduled following the storm, this neighborhood music celebration will bring live performances and community spirit to Watersound Origins.
● 30A BBQ Festival, November 6: A favorite fall gathering featuring barbecue and community camaraderie.
● Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor, November 6–7: Two evenings of inspiring films and shared experiences under the stars.
● Alys Beach Crafted, November 11–15: A celebration of food, art, craftsmanship, and creativity in Alys Beach.
Browse the 30A Events Calendar for upcoming happenings across the area. Please check with organizers for the latest event information and any changes following the storm.
Recovery looks different for every family, neighborhood, and business along 30A. While some familiar places are reopening, others still have a long road ahead.
But there are encouraging signs of progress, thanks to the many people helping our beach communities recover and rebuild.
But there are encouraging signs of progress, thanks to the many people helping our neighbors recover and rebuild.
This article will be updated as additional recovery information becomes available. If your organization has a verified community resource, relief initiative, or significant reopening update to share, please reach us at feedback@30a.com.
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