Walton County vendors briefed on bonfire cleanup, beach safety and turtle protections ahead of spring season

Walton County officials and beach vendors met to review this year’s beach vending rules, bonfire permitting and cleanup expectations, and beach-safety operations ahead of spring break and the 2025 season.

The meeting focused on practical reminders for vendors: remove bonfire debris from the beach, keep vending equipment on the dry sand, follow flag instructions, and use the county complaint form to report violations.

Lieutenant Tommy Philette, who oversees special operations including beach operations for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, said the sheriff’s office will be staffed for the season and encouraged vendors to flag down deputies or beach operations staff if they need help. “If you see them driving down the beach in a truck or a UTV, hey, flag them down,” Philette said, adding the office aims to maintain positive relationships with vendors.

David Vaughn, beach safety director for the South Walton Fire District, urged vendors to keep emergency vehicle access areas clear and to follow the lifeguard flag system. “We’re getting ready to start on March 1. Hours of operation are gonna be our regular 10 to 6, but I am gonna have full time supervisory staff out there as early as 8,” Vaughn said. He also asked vendors to call 911 for rescues and to call his office for…