Walton County commissioners voted Nov. 24 to adopt changes to the county’s beach activities ordinance that both preserve commercial bonfire activity and tighten rules intended to reduce smoke, debris and safety hazards.

The board approved the hybrid approach — keeping traditional wood fires in some circumstances, allowing propane‑fueled pits, and permitting “smokeless” or closed‑bottom fire pits that vendors demonstrated to staff. County staff and the fire marshal insisted the ordinance also add new safety and cleanup requirements: fire pits must have a solid steel bottom or an approved smokeless design, must be attended at all times and must be equipped with a fire extinguisher; vendors must remove all ash and debris and may face escalated administrative penalties and point‑based suspensions if they fail to clean sites.

“Propane eliminates smoke and debris,” South Walton Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez told commissioners during the public hearing, summarizing vendor test runs. “However, most clients prefer wood for ambiance.” Sanchez said both fuels present open‑flame risks and that enforcement and clear safety rules would be essential regardless of fuel type.

The debate drew lengthy testimony. Bonfire vendors warned that a propane‑only policy and sharply higher fees would threaten small operators; residents and some elected officials pressed for stricter cleanup and enforcement after years of complaints about leftover ash, diapers and other litter. The board struck a compromise: it encouraged propane by setting the single‑event permit at $50 for propane versus $100 for wood and increased administrative penalty points for debris left on the beach (25 points under the points system), which can lead to multi‑day suspensions or revocations for repeat offenders.

Tony Corman, the county official who led the ordinance rewrite, said the county will also continue and expand beach‑steward enforcement, require vendor identification on equipment and tighten rules for permit decals so officers can readily confirm valid permits in the field.

The ordinance includes other clarifications that staff said had caused confusion: tents are explicitly limited to a 10‑by‑10 footprint including straps and anchors, beach equipment must not obstruct emergency vehicle or pedestrian access, and special events are limited during the peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) except for approved nonprofit events.

The board adopted the ordinance and the associated fee and fine resolution in the same hearing. Commissioners said the changes aim to preserve a popular local business and visitor amenity while responding to public health, safety and cleanup concerns.

Next steps: staff will finalize updated permit language and the fee schedule, continue outreach to vendors, and implement the revised permit and enforcement processes.