When Hurricane Sally hit our area in 2020, University of West Florida students were allowed to stay in the dorms and were provided basic needs, such as food and water. Under President Mann Diaz, that is not happening. Dorm residents were given less than 24 hours’ notice.
The Shelter of Last Resort doesn’t open until 8 a.m. on Friday. The students have one hour to report,
– Forwarded message ———
From: UWF Housing & Residence Life <housing@uwf.edu>
Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 8:24?PM
Subject: Severe Weather Update: University Housing Closing Tomorrow at 6 p.m.
To: <>
Attention Residents,
As you have already been notified, classes are canceled tomorrow, October 8, 2026, due to Storm Isaia. You must evacuate your residence hall by 6 p.m. tomorrow. Campus closes at 7 p.m.
Please leave as soon as possible to reach your evacuation destination safely before potential county evacuation orders increase highway traffic.
Do not return to campus or your residence hall until UWF announces it is safe to do so.
What you need to do: Notify Housing and Residence Life (HRL) of your evacuation plan by noon tomorrow using this Google form or the QR code at the end of this email.
Prepare your room before leaving:
- Remove all trash and dispose of perishable food.
- Empty your refrigerator and freezer of food, unplug and prop the refrigerator door open.
- Close and lock all windows.
- Unplug electronics and appliances.
- Move electronics and valuables away from windows and off the floor.
Take medications, identification, important documents and other essentials with you.
Turn off the lights and lock your door when you leave. Take your key with you.
If you have no safe alternative, the UWF Shelter of Last Resort may be available.
The Shelter of Last Resort is an emergency safety option, not a traditional shelter or an alternative housing arrangement. Conditions will be basic and potentially uncomfortable. Space and privacy will be extremely limited, and students should not expect normal residence hall amenities or services. Power, air conditioning and other utilities are likely to be interrupted during the storm. Emotional Support Animals are not allowed. HRL-approved service animals are permitted.
Students using the shelter of last resort must be prepared to remain there for up to three days with limited access to personal belongings and outside services. For your safety, you must remain in the shelter. Should you elect to leave the campus shelter (if even for a brief time), you will not be permitted to return.
Residents using the Shelter of Last Resort must arrive by 8 a.m. Friday, October 9.
Location: Building 72, Health, Leisure and Sports Facility (The Rec). The Rec will be closed for normal recreational activities but will operate as UWF’s Shelter of Last Resort for residential students. There will be no access to equipment or courts.
- Opens: Friday, Oct. 9, 8 a.m.
- Check-in ends: Friday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m.
You must confirm attendance by Noon, Thursday, Oct. 8, using the following Link. Students using the Shelter of Last Resort may stay in their residence hall until shelter check-in.
If you use the Shelter of Last Resort, you must bring your own supplies for at least three days, including:
- Go-bag with essential personal items
- Full bedding, including pillows and blankets
- Personal prescriptions and medications
- Toiletries and extra clothes
- Flashlight with batteries
- Personal first aid kit
- Identification (Student ID Card, driver’s license, passport)
- Drinking water and a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Cellphone, laptop and chargers
The Shelter of Last Resort is intended as a temporary short-term emergency option to ride out the storm. If the residence halls cannot safely reopen following the storm, students staying in the shelter may need to be relocated to local county emergency shelters.
Report your plans to Housing and Residence Life by Noon tomorrow, and be out of your residence hall by 6 p.m. tomorrow.
Be safe, Be Prepared.
Janet S Branch
Director
Housing and Residence Life
