Sen. Rick Scott Urges Floridians to Make a Plan, Prepare for Life-Threatening Storm Surge Following Hurricane Isaias Briefing

Sen. Rick Scott Urges Floridians to Make a Plan, Prepare for Life-Threatening Storm Surge Following Hurricane Isaias Briefing October 8, 2026 PENSACOLA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott received a briefing at the Port of Pensacola from local and state leaders, law enforcement, and emergency management officials in Pensacola ahead of Hurricane Isaias’s expected landfall along the northern Gulf Coast tomorrow evening. Following the briefing, Senator Scott urged Floridians in the Panhandle to take immediate action to prepare for Hurricane Isaias, heed evacuation orders and instructions from local officials, make a disaster plan and gather necessary supplies. Senator Scott was joined by Congressman Jimmy Patronis, Florida State Representative Alex Andrade, Florida State Representative Michelle Salzman, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves, Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore, Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom, and other local officials. Senator Rick Scott said, “Hurricane Isaias will be a big and serious storm. Do not underestimate it or ignore it. I talked with President Trump yesterday and we’ll be making sure the federal government shows up so Florida can fully recover from this storm – but first we need every person to do their part to stay alive. We’re expecting landfall late Friday night or very early on Saturday morning. We could see up to 10 inches of rain, there’s a big risk of tornados, and we’re expecting 5-7 feet of storm surge across the Emerald Coast and Big Bend. You cannot survive 5 to 7 feet of storm surge – IT WILL KILL YOU. “Nobody in our state needs to die during a storm or after a storm. So, the biggest thing is you’ve got to take charge of your life. That means you have to decide to evacuate TODAY. We’ve got great first responders: the Sheriff’s office, the police, fire and rescue – they all want to take care of you. But they can’t come out in the middle of a storm. If you’re in an evacuation zone get out and get to a shelter. It’s not worth risking your life. I always say you can rebuild that house, but you can’t rebuild your life. Be safe, make a plan at ready.gov , and listen to local officials. We will get through this together.” To watch Senator Scott’s opening remarks at the press conference, click HERE or on the image above. For more information on supplies and what you need to be ready, visit the Senator’s website HERE . For latest updates on evacuation orders click HERE and open shelter locations click HERE . ### https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/10/sen-rick-scott-urges-floridians-to-make-a-plan-prepare-for-life-threatening-storm-surge-following-hurricane-isaias-briefing