You are here

Home » Hurricane Michael Damage To Keep Parts Of Gulf Islands National Seashore Closed Into January

Hurricane Michael Damage To Keep Parts Of Gulf Islands National Seashore Closed Into January

Share

Published Date

October 18, 2018
Hurricane Michael caused road damage to Highway 399 through Gulf Islands National Seashore/NPS

It will take until mid-January to repair road damage that Hurricane Michael inflicted to Highway 399 through Gulf Islands National Seashore/NPS

Damage from Hurricane Michael will keep Highway 399 through Gulf Islands National Seashore closed until mid-January while repairs are made, according to park staff.

Highway 399 is the main route along Santa Rosa Island in the Florida portion of the national seashore. Not as severely damaged was the Fort Pickens Road on the far western end of the island. The Fort Pickens Area, including the campground, is scheduled to reopen Friday at 9 a.m.  The Fort Pickens Campground will welcome overnight guests on a first-come, first served and reservation basis. Reservations can be made on www.recreation.gov.

The National Park Service and the Federal Highways Administration are working closely to complete the repair work to Highway 399 as quickly as safely possible. 

“These roadways are vital links for our community,” said Gulf Islands Superintendent Dan Brown. “We are thankful that repairs will be able to be completed sooner than initially thought so visitors can return to these wonderful areas.”

In addition to repairing road damage, the park service will work with FHWA to pursue options for lowering the elevation of a road section of Highway 399, similar to the method used for Fort Pickens Road after Hurricane Ivan. These methods may help avoid future road damage caused by over-wash during hurricanes and tropical storm events.

The National Park Service closed all Florida areas of the national seashore prior to Hurricane Michael making landfall along the Gulf Coast on October 10.  The category four storm pushed significant winds and waves onto Santa Rosa Island. 

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Kellie E on October 26, 2018 - 12:51pm.

Thank you all for your hard work!  Those of us who love our national parks and are from Florida had a rather endless wait while waiting for all of the sand to be removed from the Ft. Pickens road after the last panhandle hurricane.  The roads are vital and it was good to see that the damage could be repaired in a relatively short time frame.  Good luck and I cannot wait until my next visit!


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.