Okaloosa County launches recovery centers following Hurricane Isaias

Okaloosa County and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) have announced the opening of two Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) to assist residents, businesses, and non-profits affected by Hurricane Isaias. The centers are scheduled to begin operations on Wednesday, October 14, with limited hours, followed by full-day service from October 15 through October 24.

The first center is located at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, and the second is at the Crestview Community Center. These facilities will provide access to state public agencies to offer guidance on debris cleanup, potential roof tarps, volunteering, and financial assistance. Participating organizations include Legal Services of North Florida and 211 Northwest Florida.

These resource centers are distinct from the insurance assistance hub currently operating at the Morgan Sports Complex in Destin, which focuses exclusively on insurance claims. Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin as a category two hurricane on October 9, necessitating mandatory evacuations in coastal zones A and B.