Tropical Storm Ida shuts Destin down

Hurricane Ida has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but the city of Destin is taking no chances.

“City crews are preparing all City facilities for the storm,” Public Information Officer Deborah Thatcher told The Log Monday. “They are removing all flag poles, signs and garbage cans from beach accesses. “

Garbage will be collected all regularly-scheduled residential and commercial garbage routes today ... However, there will be no garbage collection for Tuesday, November 10th. Residents are asked not put any additional yard waste or other debris curbside until the storm has passed.”

Thatcher said residents are also being asked to secure their trash cans and other outside items before the storm arrives. Public Service crews will go through the city Tuesday afternoon to assess any damage.

Except for Kids Klub Monday afternoon, all city recreational events and Community Center events have been canceled. City offices will close Monday at 3 p.m. and reopen Thursday, since Wednesday’s is Veteran’s Day. All schools will be closed Tuesday.

Library director Jurate Burns told The Log that the story-telling presentation planned for Tuesday has been rescheduled for Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m.

The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners has declared a Local State of Emergency, which authorizes Emergency Management to purchase emergency supplies and to qualify for federal disaster-relief, if needed.

The City urges all residents in low-lying areas to take precautions early as Tropical Storm Ida approaches. Sandbags may be purchased at local hardware stores and all residents are encouraged to monitor the storm.