Story perspectives

Officials Seek Disaster Declaration for 15 Panhandle Counties

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 10:48 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

State and federal officials began recovery, seeking a disaster declaration for 15 Panhandle counties.
They restored power to 95% of customers after Hurricane Isaias hit near Destin on Oct. 9, 2026.
Florida Power and Light restored service to 97,000 Escambia County customers by Monday morning.
The Florida National Guard deployed about 2,013 soldiers and airmen, clearing over 1,700 miles of road.
Governor Ron DeSatis announced $2.6 million rural infrastructure awards for Washington County.

History

Historical Context

After Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida as a Category 5 storm on August 24 1992, it caused about $27 billion in damage and 44 deaths, prompting the first large-scale federal disaster declaration for the state. The emergency-management structures established then have guided Florida’s 2026 hurricane response, enabling rapid mobilization of resources and utility restoration.

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Story summary

State and federal officials began recovery, seeking a disaster declaration for 15 Panhandle counties.
They restored power to 95% of customers after Hurricane Isaias hit near Destin on Oct. 9, 2026.
Florida Power and Light restored service to 97,000 Escambia County customers by Monday morning.
The Florida National Guard deployed about 2,013 soldiers and airmen, clearing over 1,700 miles of road.
Governor Ron DeSatis announced $2.6 million rural infrastructure awards for Washington County.

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