The Walton County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, has issued a local state of emergency for Walton County as of Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

This issuance of a local state of emergency is in response to local areas of flooding in the southeastern part of the county in and around the Choctawhatchee River. The current flood waters are expected to crest by Friday, March 1st at 20.5 feet.

As part of the issuance of this local state of emergency, the following actions are being taken by the Sheriff’s Office in order to protect the safety of the citizens and visitors of Walton County:

1. The Sheriff’s Office has issued a voluntary evacuation of all affected and surrounding areas. The order will be in effect beginning at 3 p.m. today for all low-lying areas south of County Road 181-C to the mouth of Choctawhatchee Bay, including the Bunker and Steel Field areas.

2. A shelter will be open at 3 p.m. on February 26, 2013 for voluntary evacuees at the Bruce United Methodist Church located at 269 Church Road in Bruce, FL.

Those who decide to take advantage of the shelter should bring the following items with them as needed:

1. Identification
2. Important medications
3. Special medical devices such wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, etc.
4. Diapers, infant formula, baby foods if needed
5. Bedding, pillows, blankets, etc.
6. Puzzles, books, small games for children
7. Food and water for 72 hours.

3. The Sheriff’s Office will be working with the utility providers in the area in the case that services may be delayed.

At this time, it is anticipated that flood waters in the southeastern part of the County in the area of the Choctawhatchee River may reach levels equivalent to those in 2009. The public is reminded to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with local flood warnings.

Updates or further information will be provided to the public through the Walton County Sheriff’s Office website, Facebook account, Walton Alert (Facebook account), Twitter and other local media outlets. All questions can be answered by calling the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at 850-892-8186.