Escambia County shellfish harvest area closing ahead of Hurricane Isaias

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is temporarily closing the Big Lagoon Shellfish Harvest Area effective at sunset Thursday as Hurricane Isaias approaches the region.

The precautionary closure is designed to protect both public health and the shellfish resource during the storm. Big Lagoon, located in Escambia County, is a significant shellfish harvesting area for local watermen and commercial operators.

According to WKRG News 5, the closure will remain in effect until conditions stabilize and state officials determine it's safe to resume harvesting. Residents and commercial harvesters in the area should be aware of the temporary restriction.