Pensacola Beach officials prep for Tropical Storm Isaac

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (WALA) - As Tropical Storm Isaac continues its apparent course towards the Gulf, many folks are taking the time to enjoy the beach while they can.

But there’s no rest for many beach officials, who aren’t taking any chances in preparing for the possible hurricane.

Buck Lee with the Santa Rosa Island Authority said workers plan to begin Saturday, pulling all trash cans off the beach.

Photos: Tropical Storm Isaac

“We do know it’s a very large storm. We could be affected by wind and rain early, so we have to be prepared and have all our stuff done,” said Lee.

Sunday, Lee said they’ll begin removing every lifeguard stand from the beach and placing shutters on windows.

“We don’t expect many large waves out of this system hopefully. Right now, it looks like a Category 1 but it could be a Category 2 when it reaches about 60 miles offshore,” Lee said.

He said if the storm strengthens, crews will begin moving large equipment to a safe location.

One of the biggest questions on Pensacola Beach in preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac is what would be done with the 200 foot observation wheel.

Lee says the plan is to remove all 42 gondolas from the wheel and secure them.

“We know it’ll be in the area somewhere if the models stay true. We’ve got to be prepared," said Lee, "Individually, we ask people to get your gas, food and water. If Isaac doesn’t come this way, you can always drink the water and eat the food later."

Officials don’t want anyone to panic, but they said it’s best to be ready for anything.