Pensacola Beachgoers Soak Up Sun Before Hurricane Isaias

As Hurricane Isaias approached the Gulf Coast, visitors and residents gathered at Pensacola Beach on Thursday, October 9, 2026, for a final day by the water. The storm, projected to reach Category 3 strength, prompted concern for those with planned beach excursions.

Stephanie Dzugan, visiting with her son, called the scene "the calm before the storm." She advised her son to "enjoy it, then follow directions and take heed." Her husband, Paul Dzugan, described the conditions as "beautiful and the waves are really big," noting it was ideal for seashell collecting but not for swimming or diving.

Lifeguards raised double red flags Thursday morning, closing the water to the public due to dangerous conditions. Dave Greenwood, chief of water safety, emphasized the lethal nature of rip currents. "Rip currents are deadly. That’s the biggest weather phenomenon related death is by rip currents so we keep them out of the water," Greenwood stated. He warned that wave energy would remain a concern even after the storm passed.

The approaching storm led some to alter travel plans. Trey Hermann, on vacation, planned to fly to Atlanta before Pensacola International Airport closed at 10 a.m. Friday. "If I was flying out tomorrow, I’d be more concerned for sure," Hermann said.

The Dzugan family, visiting from Knoxville, planned to stay inland. Larry Toomey, a lifelong resident, expressed no worry, stating, "I have no fear. I don’t board up. I don’t do anything. I’ve lived here all my life basically."

Despite varying levels of concern, beachgoers stressed the importance of taking the storm seriously. Hermann advised, "If you see the locals getting gas, taking the boats up, putting them in dry storage, I would probably get out of dodge."