STATEMENT FROM VISIT FLORIDA EAST, WEST, SOUTH, CENTRAL, NORTH AND PORTIONS OF EXTREME NW FLORIDA ARE OPEN
VISIT FLORIDA attempts to update this information daily, however please be aware that information could change hourly. Please visit the web sites below for up-to-date destination information.
For more information on localities in Florida, click on the following regional maps: • http://www.VISITFLORIDA.com/destinations (map of Florida's attractions, hotels, destination marketing organizations by region). • http://www.VISITFLORIDA.com/cvbs_alerts.php (regional map of Florida's convention and visitors bureaus.)
Tallahassee, Fla. – Extreme Northwest Florida was impacted by Hurricane Ivan late last week. Local and state officials are assessing the heavy flooding and wind damage caused by the storm and beginning the process of recovery with much help from state and federal agencies.
Curfews are in effect in the counties of Escambia, (midnight - 7:00 a.m.) except in Perdido Key and Pensacola ( 7:00 p.m.- 7:00 a.m) Santa Rosa (midnight - 7:00 a.m.) except for Gulf Breeze and Milton (7:00 p.m.- 7:00 a.m.) and Okaloosa County (7:00p.m. – 7:00a.m.) to prohibit anything other than urgent and necessary travel during the nighttime hours. Curfews have been lifted in Bay and Gulf Counties. Franklin County including Apalachicola, St. George Island and Carrabelle are open for business and experienced little damage. Panama City Beach is open for business as well and reports only some minor hotel damage.
VISIT FLORIDA's I-10 Welcome Center in Northwest Florida is closed with a possible opening soon. Interstate 10 is closed east and west across Escambia County in Northwest Florida and numerous state and county roads in this area are closed due to downed trees and flooding. US 98 between Fort Walton Beach and Destin is now open to two-way traffic.
Meanwhile, many Floridians were impacted by both hurricanes Charley and Frances and we are deeply concerned for the storms' victims. We have also seen an incredible public spiritedness and resilience on the part of the state's tourism industry in responding to visitors' needs and recovery efforts. Countless hotels, attractions, campgrounds, convention and visitor bureaus and tourist development councils joined the effort by local, state and national emergency teams, and are helping ensure the safe and speedy return to normal for our state's residents and visitors in affected areas. These teams will continue their vigilance.
It is important to point out that while there are areas still recovering from weather damage, many areas in Florida are "open for business." A few areas that experienced hurricanes are close to full recovery and also welcoming visitors. We are advising visitors to continue with their plans to visit these parts of Florida but call ahead to ensure their specific plans or hotels are confirmed.
VISIT FLORIDA is staying in contact with the state's tourism industry in order to provide both potential visitors, as well as visitors already in-state, with important destination information and hotel availability. For access to timely and accurate local destination information, click on the links provided to access a regional Florida map to reach local experts.
FLORIDA AREA UPDATES:
For more information on localities in Florida, click on the following regional maps:
• http://www.VISITFLORIDA.com/destinations (map of Florida's attractions, hotels, destination marketing organizations by region). • http://www.VISITFLORIDA.com/cvbs_alerts.php (regional map of Florida's convention and visitors bureaus.)
Florida's major metropolitan areas are open except for extreme Northwest Florida where hurricane Ivan made landfall. Beaches: Most of Florida's beaches are open with exception of beaches in extreme Northwest Florida. Florida Attractions: All major theme parks and attractions are open, except in extreme Northwest Florida. Florida Convention Centers: All of Florida's Convention Centers are open and welcoming groups, except for the city of Pensacola. Florida Hotels: Most of Florida's hotels are open, except in extreme Northwest Florida or in areas affected by hurricanes in small sections of the southwest and northeast coasts. If you are planning to visit Florida in these areas, check in advance with the area's local information source to ensure they are open. Many destinations in affected areas are well on the way to recovery, and even though some venues are closed, many are open and welcome visitors to provide business to hotels, restaurants and attractions in their areas. Airports: All of Florida's airports are open, except in extreme Northwest Florida. According to the Pensacola News Journal, the Pensacola airport is due to open Fri., Sept. 24 Ports: All major cruise ports are operating normally.
Roads Update: All of Florida's major roads are open including I-75, I-95 and I-10 except for in extreme Northwest Florida.
PENSACOLA AREA UPDATE:
The evacuation of barrier islands and low-lying coastal along with the influx of emergency and relief workers due to Hurricane Ivan has filled area hotels to capacity. People traveling to Pensacola to assist in recovery efforts or check on family or property should call hotels first to check availability. Most will be full for another two to three weeks. Since hotel telephone systems rely on electricity, callers are advised to use the hotels' fax numbers, which are now serving as the main voice lines at most operational hotels. About 30 percent of Pensacola`s hotels are on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, areas where only residents are being allowed to return to assess damage. Fast-moving recovery efforts occur in hourly updates. The status of hotels, attractions, and activities are provided on an ongoing basis at www.visitpensacola.com. VISIT FLORIDA INFORMATION RESOURCES:
VISIT FLORIDA's consumer web site: www.VISITFLORIDA.com (click on Hurricane Ivan on left hand side) provides links to Florida's convention & visitors bureaus, tourist development councils and Emergency Operations Center.
VISIT FLORIDA 24-hour Alternative Lodging Availability: 1-800-287-8598 VISIT FLORIDA Tourism Industry web site: www.VISITFLORIDA.org. VISIT FLORIDA Media web site: media.VISITFLORIDA.org (for our latest statements, facts and news releases.)
VISIT FLORIDA Welcome Centers are open and providing information to travelers. Visitors with pending plans to visit the state are encouraged to track the storm via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration web site: www.NOAA.org. | 
