Leaders of Bay County, where Panama City is located, are urging people living along Panama City Beach and other flood zones to leave now.
Many have boarded up shops that could be flooded out during the expected storm surge on Panama City Beach, but some told News Channel 8’s Corey Davis that they are deciding to stay.
“It’s bringing in some waves, so I thought I’d go out and surf,” said Conner Montfort.
The goal is to evacuate 75 percent of Bay County but officials say it just isn’t happening as fast as they’d like because enough people aren’t leaving.
“I’ve been here since ’94. I’ve been through every hurricane since Opal, never left and don’t plan on leaving today,” said resident Brad Sherr.
Sandy Captain, a Panama City Beach property owner from out of town, said she and her husband own a condo a few blocks off the beach and decided to stay.
“No nerves, no nerves. I’m where I want to be in the end, so if I go, I’m here where I want to be,” Captain said.
Crews with Pasco and Hillsborough Fire Rescues are on standby if the state requests additional help after the hurricane passes.
