Pensacola Regional Airport closed Saturday; operations expected to resume by 5 p.m.

Pensacola Regional Airport (PNS) is closed as of this morning, according to FAA airport updates posted Saturday. The airport closure took effect at 8:39 a.m. and is expected to remain in place until 5 p.m. today.

According to the FAA notice, helicopter operations are permitted with a two-hour advance notice and prior approval. Pilots seeking to operate helicopters during the closure can contact the airport at 850-903-1251.

The reason for the closure was not immediately specified in the FAA notice. Travelers should check with their airlines for flight status updates and plan accordingly if they have travel scheduled through PNS today.

Santa Rosa County Holds Hurricane Briefing Saturday Afternoon

Santa Rosa County leadership will hold a media briefing Saturday at 2 p.m. outside the Emergency Operations Center in Milton to update the public on Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts.

The briefing, scheduled for 4499 Pine Forest Road, will include remarks from BOCC Chairman Colten Wright on the hurricane's overall impact, Public Safety Director Tom Lloyd on emergency services operations, County Administrator Brad Baker on departmental recovery work, and Sheriff Bob Johnson on law enforcement activities.

County officials will also outline next steps for the recovery effort during the session.

One dead after tree falls on Escambia County home during Hurricane Isaias

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons has confirmed one fatality from Hurricane Isaias after a tree fell on a residence in the county. The victim was a woman whose home was struck during the storm's passage through the area.

The death adds to the growing toll from the hurricane, which moved through Northwest Florida bringing high winds and severe weather. Sheriff Simmons did not release additional details about the victim or the exact location of the incident at the time of the report.

As Isaias moves out of the region, officials are urging residents to remain cautious while assessing damage and clearing debris from their properties.