Pensacola, Fla. —

## What is happening:

Governor Ron DeSantis has formally asked the federal government to approve a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida following Hurricane Isaias, the Category 2 storm that struck the Panhandle on October 9 with sustained winds of 105 mph. The Florida Division of Emergency Management submitted the request to President Donald Trump on Friday, October 16.

If approved, the declaration would open two streams of federal help: Individual Assistance for eligible residents in eight hard-hit counties — Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington — and Public Assistance for 15 Panhandle counties, covering debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to roads, bridges and utilities.

## Local impacts:

- Santa Rosa County residents have reported more than $165 million in damage to private property, with over 80 structures destroyed, about 300 with major damage, 600-plus with minor damage and more than 2,000 affected overall. The city of Milton alone estimates $15 million in damage to city property.

- Escambia County's early estimate puts public damage at $64 million, and Pensacola officials estimate residents' damage at $70 million.

- Governor DeSantis said the state also requested public assistance for local governments in 15 counties, so they can seek reimbursement for debris removal. He noted FEMA typically covers 75 percent of eligible debris-removal costs, with the state and local governments splitting the rest.

- The state is also partnering with Emergency RV to provide temporary housing for Floridians whose homes were damaged, so families can stay in their communities while they rebuild.

## What to do:

- Watch for the decision. The federal government has not approved the request yet. If it does, online Individual Assistance applications and local FEMA field operations would follow — check official FEMA channels rather than relying on rumors.

- Document your damage now. Florida emergency officials used state damage reports to build the request. Photograph everything and keep receipts for repairs and cleanup.

- Avoid downed lines and unstable structures while cleanup continues across the Panhandle.

- Use official distribution points. The state set up points offering free water, shelf-stable meals, tarps, ice and fuel to affected residents.

*Source: WTXL ABC 27 / Fox 13 Tampa Bay reporting on the governor's announcement, October 16, 2026. Reported by TNW News.*