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Walton County adopts hybrid bonfire rules, raises vendor fees after weeks of debate
Summary
After hours of testimony and debate, Walton County commissioners adopted a revised Beach Activities Ordinance allowing both wood and propane bonfires under new safety rules and approved higher permit and vendor fees intended to fund enforcement and cleanup.
Walton County commissioners adopted a revised Beach Activities Ordinance on Nov. 24 that allows both traditional wood bonfires and propane or smokeless-style fire pits under stricter safety and cleanup requirements, and approved a tied fee schedule that increases some vendor permit costs.
The public hearing drew dozens of speakers and a lengthy staff presentation. County staff framed three options for the board: keep the existing wood-based rules with added safeguards, move to propane-only, or adopt a hybrid approach permitting either fuel type with technical conditions. Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez told commissioners that propane reduces smoke and debris but vendors and some residents favor wood for heat and ambiance. "There's only two…
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