Menu
Menu
Okaloosa County will host its second annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the County Administration Building in Shalimar. The event is designed to help residents prepare for the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially begins June 1.
The expo, called “Florida’s Greatest Hurricane Preparedness Party,” will take place at 1250 N. Eglin Parkway and is free and open to the public. Attendees will have access to 2025 Hurricane Guides, preparedness vendors, food trucks, and interactive public safety displays. The first 100 attendees will receive a free tote bag filled with hurricane-related items provided by Keep Okaloosa Beautiful.
“It is important for all of us in Okaloosa County to recognize the serious threat storms pose to our area and the devastation they can cause,” said County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon in a written statement. “This event is a reminder that we need to do what we can to prepare our families in advance so we do not have to panic at the last minute.”
County officials emphasized the importance of restocking supply kits, reviewing evacuation plans, and discussing storm readiness with family members ahead of hurricane season.
Story continues below.
Has this story made a difference for you? Consider making a monthly supporting donation to Mid Bay News so that we can continue to create meaningful local journalism for our community.
“Okaloosa County is a community of caring individuals that always comes together when needed,” said Vice Chair Carolyn Ketchel. “I encourage all residents to come together and make a plan in advance.”
Commissioner Sherri Cox added, “The more we can be prepared for potential impacts of a storm, the better we can mitigate injury and loss of life. I commend our Emergency Management team and their impressive ability to keep us informed.”
Commissioner Trey Goodwin said the county remains focused on preparing public infrastructure and resources for potential storms.
Scheduled speakers at the event include Patrick Maddox, Director of Public Safety for Okaloosa County, and Jason Beaman, Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama. Maddox has served as the county’s public safety director since 2019 and has more than 30 years of emergency management experience. Beaman, who became Meteorologist-in-Charge in 2022, oversees weather warnings, forecasts, and regional coordination efforts.
Vendors interested in participating can contact Nick Tomecek at ntomecek@myokaloosa.com.
Additional storm preparedness resources, including the 2025 Hurricane Guide, are available at https://myokaloosa.com/ps/emergency-management.
