News Release from National Park Service

Gulf Islands National Seashore Announces Temporary Closure of the J. Earle Bowden Way (SR 399)


Due to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee’s heavy rains and high surf and sand on the roadways, Gulf Islands National Seashore will temporarily close the Santa Rosa Area including the J. Earle Bowden Way between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach on SR 399. Once the storm has passed and the sand is removed, the Seashore will reopen the road. This closure is in addition to the closures for the Fort Pickens Road and the section of the Perdido Key Road from the main parking lot east to the cul-de-sac. The Naval Live Oaks Area on U. S. Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze and the Fort Barrancas Area on board Naval Air Station Pensacola are open. Double red flag conditions remain in effect and visitors should stay out of the water. The park staff is currently assessing all beach road conditions to determine when they can be reopened. For more information please contact the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at 850-934-2600 and the Fort Pickens Road hotline number at 850-934-2656.