Gulf Islands National Seashore closes the Florida areas ahead of Ian

GULF BREEZE, Fla. (WALA) - Gulf Islands National Seashore closed the Florida Areas of the park to all visitors as of 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, in preparation for Tropical Storm Ian, the National Park Service announced.

Closed areas include the Fort Pickens Area, Perdido Key Area (Johnson Beach), Opal Beach and Okaloosa Area.

The Mississippi Area, Naval Live Oaks Area and Highway 399 will remain open at this time.

Tropical Storm Ian is expected to become a hurricane, according to forecasters. The park will work closely with the National Weather Service and continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as necessary, according to park officials.

Campers currently in the campground will need to evacuate by noon Monday, Sept. 26, and all reservations for Fort Pickens Campground have been canceled until further notice, officials said.

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