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Destin council orders public hearing on beach bonfires after safety and turtle-season concerns
Summary
City staff summarized neighboring Walton Countyrules and council split over whether to allow permitted bonfires; council referred the matter to a public hearing in July for broader public input and more staff study.
City of Destin officials asked staff on Monday to bring the community a formal public hearing this summer about whether to allow permitted bonfires on beaches after a lengthy council discussion about safety, wildlife and enforcement.
Staff explained that Walton County permits bonfires on public and private beaches under a $100 permit process administered by the South Walton Fire District and suggested the city could adopt a similar permit regime if council chooses to proceed. City Manager Larry Jones told council that Walton County issues roughly 9,500 such permits annually and that the county splits permit revenue with the fire district.
Council members and residents raised concerns about turtle nesting, smoke and enforcement. Councilwoman Abare said residents had asked for a way to allow small family bonfires while protecting neighbors. Councilman Bagby cautioned that Walton Countysaid enforcement has been the countychallenge and recommended a small pilot if the city moves forward. Councilman Braden and several residents said smoke and potential party-related problems worry long-term residents and turtle advocates.
Councilman Cosmo Destin offered a substitute motion to schedule a public hearing at the first council meeting in July so the public could weigh in before staff prepared ordinance language; Councilman Braden seconded the substitute. The substitute motion passed unanimously 6-0.
Staff said an ordinance to allow bonfires would require amendments to the citycode of ordinances (including rules on vending, permits and location limits) and suggested permitting through the fire district if council wants to proceed. Council members discussed limiting bonfires by season and by permit counts, and one proposal discussed restricting permits to vendors rather than individuals on city-owned beaches to improve enforcement and accountability.
Next steps: staff will prepare a public-hearing item with options for months, permit terms, location limits, and enforcement plans. The council did not adopt any ordinance on Monday; it set the topic for broader public comment and further staff work.
Residents who wish to comment will have the chance at the scheduled public hearing, after which the council can direct staff to draft ordinance language or decline to proceed.
