During the free, public event, officials will remind residents to prepare for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season by restocking disaster supply kits, going over evacuation plans and discussing other preparations with family members. The season runs from June through November.
“It is important for all of us in Okaloosa County to recognize the serious threat storms pose to our area and the devastation they can cause,” County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon said in a news release. “The annual Hurricane Expo is a reminder that we need to do what we can to prepare our families in advance so we do not have to panic at the last minute. I invite everyone to attend this important event to remain informed and better equipped for the upcoming storm season.”
According to hurricane researchers at Colorado State University, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be above average, with 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.
- Atlantic tropical and subtropical cyclones that reach tropical storm intensity, with sustained winds of 39 mph or greater, are named storms.
- A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.
- A major hurricane is a hurricane that is classified as Category 3 or higher, with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.
The upcoming Hurricane Expo will feature complimentary 2025 Hurricane Guides, various vendors, food trucks, public safety discussions with first responders, and interactive displays related to storms and preparedness. The first 100 participants will receive free tote bags that are sponsored by Keep Okaloosa Beautiful and contain surprise “party” items.
“Okaloosa County is a community of caring individuals that always comes together when needed,” County Commission Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel said. “I encourage all residents to come together and make a plan in advance of hurricane season to be as prepared as possible.”
The expo’s featured speakers will be county Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox and Jason Beaman, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service forecast office in Mobile, Alabama.
Maddox has served as the county’s public safety director since 2019 and has a 31-year career that includes vast experience in law enforcement and emergency preparedness. He held incident command positions in Hurricanes Katrina, Charley, Jeanne, Wilma, Matthew, Irma, Michael, and Sally and dozens of other tropical threats and civil unrest events.
Beaman began his National Weather Service career in 2003 while attending college. He was promoted to meteorologist in charge in 2022. In his current job, Beaman directs the Mobile office’s meteorological and hydrological warning, forecast, and service programs and oversees the area-wide weather preparedness and coordination program.
Okaloosa County’s hurricane guide is available at https://myokaloosa.com/sites/default/files/Users/piouser/ForWEBHurricanGuide2025.pdf.