County Dithers While Island Roads Flood

We've received another email from a reader:

"We have decided to evacuate from the island even though there is no official word yet that we know of - mainly because the expected Gulf storm surge of 5 - 7' threatens our vehicles with inundation. Water is already starting to overwash Ariola Drive (road right next to the beach)."

The web site of the Escambia County Emergency Operations Office verifies "Rising water and flooding conditions are occurring along Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key."

Even so, only voluntary evacuations are being urged at this time:

As of 9:00am, Escambia County officials are urging the residents of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key to evacuate.

People in low-lying areas, mobile homes and travel trailers should be ready to evacuate quickly if evacuations are expanded.

Local television stations are reporting that ECUA will shut off water to Pensacola Beach at 8 p.m. tonight.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority has yet to be heard from.