Hurricane Isaias was the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, making landfall near Destin, Florida, late evening of October 9 as a strong Category 2 storm. We give thanks for initial reports indicating that St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pensacola and Holy Trinity Lutheran in Ft. Walton were spared significant damage. Both congregations are currently assessing their properties and the needs of their surrounding communities. Please join us in praying for all those impacted as local leaders determine how we can best accompany our neighbors in the days of recovery ahead.

Individuals needing immediate resources for assistance should call 2-1-1 or 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), Option 4 for Disaster Assistance. Click the button below for additional resources.

Official websites:

1. Disaster Updates: Hurricane Isaias – Florida Division of Emergency Management

2. Shelters: Shelter Status

3. School Closures: Storm Information(Florida)

Additional Resources:

Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) for Vibrant Emotional Health: For more info about the DDH, either visit their website or call 1-800-985-5990 (press “2” for Spanish) 24/7 crisis and emotional support for survivors & responders of natural and human-caused disasters go to samhsa.gov/DDH. For any additional coordination / resources needs in disaster emotional care, please email DDH@vibrant.org.

Noticias en Espanol: https://www.ready.gov/ready-your-language  (“Select Language”)

Uber – Alabama/Florida Panhandle: Uber is offering people evacuating ahead of Hurricane Isaias’ landfall free or discounted round-trip transportation to and from shelters.

• The promotion will cover up to $40 each way on the cost of a fare to state-approved evacuation shelters.
• To redeem the promotion, use the Uber app and then open the “account” tab on the bottom right of the screen. From there, riders can tap “wallet” and then scroll down to “Add Promo Code,” where they will enter code “ISAIAS26.” Once a ride is requested, the promotion will then be applied to the ride and the cost either fully covered or discounted up to $40.
• To receive the promotion, riders must be either going to or coming from a state-approved evacuation site; the promotion does not apply to evacuating to other locations.
• If the cost of the ride is less than $40, the promotion will also cover taxes, fees and tips.
• Eligibility: Only for trips to/from state‑approved evacuation sites (e.g., Wakulla County One Stop, Deane Bozeman School in Panama City, Freeport High School, Northwest Florida State College, Davidson Middle School in Crestview).

Ride United – Free Lyft Rides (Disaster Relief Program): United Way’s Ride United program provides free transportation (via Lyft) for eligible individuals to essential services such as work, healthcare, education, public assistance, and basic needs.

• Call 211 (24/7) and explain your need.
• Provide trip details (destination, time, any mobility needs).
• If eligible, you’ll get a scheduled ride or a Lyft Pass to book yourself.
• No app needed: You can request through 211 without a smartphone or Lyft app.