Full Breakdown
Hurricane Isaias Devastates Pensacola, Airport Remains Closed
By Drooid · · How we work
Hurricane Isaias Strikes Pensacola Region
Friday night, Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 105 mph. The system knocked down trees and power lines across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, leaving most of the area without electricity while downtown Pensacola retained limited lighting. Two police officers and one firefighter were injured while responding to emergency calls.
Emergency Services Response
Pensacola Police Department logged 185 calls for service between the evening of the storm and early morning, clearing hundreds of hazardous objects and rescuing a man from a burning home. The fire department answered 49 calls, including four structure-fire reports and two injuries to firefighters at a house fire on Peacock Drive. Public Works crews began marking impediments at 6:30 a.m. and coordinated with the Florida Department of Transportation to clear blocked state roads.
Infrastructure Damage and Ongoing Recovery
As of early morning, 129,000 Florida Power & Light customers in Escambia County remained without power. The city’s boil-water notice continues for the entire ECUA service area. Pensacola International Airport’s terminal is closed indefinitely; the runway stays open for non-commercial flights while damage assessments proceed with no set reopening timetable. The Port of Pensacola reports loss of water and power, with all buildings sustaining some damage. Recovery crews are using chainsaws to remove downed trees and are conducting street surveys throughout the day.
Official Statements from City Leadership
Mayor D.C. Reeves emphasized that, despite significant tree damage, early indications on loss of life and injuries are encouraging. He urged residents to stay off roads, report downed lines to 1-800-4-OUTAGE, and remain patient as crews work to restore services. Reeves also noted that dozens of workers have been on duty through the night to accelerate power restoration and that the airport recovery effort is a priority.
Verbatim Quotes
- “While tree damage is significant, the early indications on loss of life and on injuries is encouraging,” — C. Reeves, to pensacola mayor