Hope all you Pcola folks are okay. Here's some news from Panama City Beach.

Hurricane Ivan

A few things to be aware of in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan:

As of September 18, 2004:

- Most of Pensacola is still without power and will be for weeks
- Phone and cellular service is down in most of the area
- Water shortages
- Gas shortages
- I-10 Bridge over Escambia Bay was damaged beyond repair. Could be up to 18 months before a replacement is finished.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (HWY 98) received surface damage and is closed until further notice.
- Bob Sykes Bridge received damage and is closed.
- HWY 90 bridge over Escambia Bay received damage and is currently only 2 lanes

I'll update as I find out more.

You can help Hurricane Ivan relief efforts by donating money or time to the American Red Cross, who has opened over 300 shelters for Ivan victims. Donation information here

For information regarding ice, water, and food distribution centers... area, road, and bridge openings.... comfort stations and shelters... curfews... and more, check the Pensacola News Journal's website for Ivan relief efforts

Hi,

We are scheduled to be in Pensacola this Friday through Tuesday, we were going to participate in the SRI tri athlon and stay at the Hampton Inn on Pensacola Beach. As you are well aware that area was hit hard and the race has been cancelled.
We are still planning on making the trip from Minnesota as the airline change fees would be extensive.
I am wondering if anyone has any advice as to where we should stay, I am looking at Gulf Shores but haven't been able to assess their damage. I also have a place in mind near Rosemary Beach, but we need to make multiple pick ups at PNS and I was unsure about the travel time between the two considering all of the road damage.
We were also planning on attending the seafood festival in Sevilla Square, but it sounds as if that area is flooded and their web site is not coming up, I am guessing due to power failure.
Any information anyone has would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Holly

I would suggest staying in either Destin or Panama City Beach. Pensacola, Gulf Shores, and Santa Rosa Beach were all hit very hard. There are still major power outages in those areas, plus closed roads, bridges, debris, etc.

Panama City and Destin should both be business as usual by now...

The Pensacola News Journal has alternate routes for traveling in and out of the city. (Remember, HWY 98 between Ft Walton and Destin is closed, as well as the Bay Bridge on HWY 98 in Pcola, the i-10 Bridge in Pcola, and the HWY 90 Bridge in Pcola).

I just heard from a friend that Okaloosa isand- highway98- is open to the public again but only one lane of traffic so expect delays.

Thanks for the info. We found a house on St. George Island. It sounds like they didn't get hit as hard.

Holly