Independence Day weekend is here, and there are several family-friendly activities to enjoy across Okaloosa County. Beach Flags & Turtles - Destin, Florida Destinites There will be local food trucks, beer tents, games and more. First-time offenses can cost beachgoers up to $200, according to the county beach ordinances. No glass containers are permitted on the . This website displays information about the results from routine bacterial monitoring. Children's Advocacy Center Opens New Facility On The Beach Growth Management (Planning & Inspections), Baker Recreation Area (Baker Horse Arena). The original tourism district collecteda 5% Tourist Tax from overnight guests and includedthe cities of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Mary Esther and Cinco Bayou. Visit, Operation of Visitor Welcome Centers, Convention Center, and Film Commission, Beach safety and funding of the Beach Safety Life Saving Program (funding of beach lifeguards) Click, Research and evaluation of the success of all programs and local economy, Protection and improvementsto the natural environment through funding of the artificial reef program, public beach access parks, beach trash removal, beach restoration improvements, Sea Turtle Conservation. Jason Harwell, founder of local environmental group Erase the Trace Okaloosa, said combating littering on beaches across Okaloosa County is a never-ending battle. His organization has led countless beach cleanups and created bins to encourage beachgoers to throw away their trash. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 Okaloosa Island- Public Safety will bring a chair to any location on the island. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Parking is limited. For the latest Red Tide testing results, please go to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Website. The family-friendly locale offers an environment of discovery to play and explore, inviting kids to get on the water and give their adventurous side room to grow. Our program teaches Juniors water rescues, self rescues, rip current anatomy, and hands only CPR. Whether taking place along the sugar-white sand beaches, out on the crystal-clear Gulf waters, or tucked away along a secluded nature trail, these adventures include dolphin excursions, charter fishing, eFoil lessons, snorkeling, camping, hiking, and more. By using this site, you agree to the Annual Regulatory PlansFlorida Department of Health (pdf). If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help and remain calm. Take all precautions. Nicholson said the Sheriffs Office would hope that additional awareness encourages beachgoers to comply with littering laws. The City of Destin, meanwhile, maintains a map showing a given day's relative risk of rip currents (categorized as "Low," "Moderate," or "High") right here. Volunteers to build dune fencing to protect condos and wildlife on Okaloosa Island. Okaloosa County prohibits feeding birds at county beaches, some parks Okaloosa County - Connecting Communities since 1915. The American Legion of Niceville has partnered with A Bed 4 Me, a local charity that ensures children in our community have a place to sleep at night. An authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile. Some of the most common items left behind on beaches are beer bottles and plastic water bottles. All rights reserved. Although the tourist season has come to an end, a large amount of trash still can be found in several spots. They have a lot of priorities on the beaches, and public safety is going to be No. PS - Beach Safety | Okaloosa County Butch Hendrick, 1. 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, GPS 30 23'43.21" N 86 34'59.45" W Patrick Maddox, Beach Warning system by NWS Mobile. Beach Chair rentals: County staff said beach vendors setting up rental chairs on a public beach is not a uniform practice and leads to the following problems. Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest. You remove that top layer of sand and its like a layer of trash.. Okaloosa County, Florida. Fort Walton Beach is having its Fourth of July celebration Tuesday at The Landing, at 131 Brooks St. From the Blackwater, Yellow and Shoal Rivers south to Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico Okaloosa Countys 935.65 square miles encompass a diverse natural environment that plays a vital role in preserving our wealth of outdoor activities. Learn about ecotourism at, Located in Northwest Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is not only an ideal place to unwind, but discover natural beauty, encounter wildlife and ultimately uncover the adventurous side within. The Okaloosa County beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world with its sugar white crystalline sands drawing tourists from far and wide. 1300 Miracle Strip Parkway If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen. Okaloosa County Saltwater Beach Monitoring Results for June 12, 2023 Read more: Hundreds of spring breakers arrested will return home with misdemeanors and $500 fines. Okaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. Therefore in addition to the Beach Warning Flags, the Okaloosa County Beach Safety Lifeguards provide Prevention and Educational Informational sessions on the beach to advise how to recognize rip currents and other natural risk conditions. Boater Safety Video. Beaches Daily Weather Briefing. County workers clean beaches on and near Okaloosa Island and in and near Destin every day using machine-pulled rakes. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Former Arkansas Razorback player and head coach for the White Hall Bulldogs Ryan Mallett has died while on vacation in . 27, 2023 at 5:01 PM PDT. Destin, FL 32541. 1 always, Nicholson said. Other local vendors will provide fun activities like face painting, carnival games, and more. 4 Bay St Shalimar 6 Gulf Islands National Seashore - no longer sampling this site 7 Destin East Pass - no longer sampling this site Lincoln Park N Bayshore Dr. Valparaiso Henderson Beach State Park Henderson Beach State Rd. Published: Jun. Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. The Parks Department continues to follow the guidelines of the Parks Master Plan in developing new parks to service a growing population. Beach Lifeguards in Okaloosa County. Beach Lifeguards in Okaloosa County | Destin CLICK HERE to Sign Up For Okaloosa County Alerts, Emergency Management Division of Okaloosa County Public Safety, Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Okaloosa County Issued by the National Weather Service, Heat Advisory issued June 30 at 3:00AM EDT until June 30 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS, Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Okaloosa County (Coastal Zone) Issued by the National Weather Service, There are no active watches, warnings or advisories, Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Okaloosa County (Inland Zone) Issued by the National Weather Service. Destin Fred Gannon / Rocky Bayou State Park 4281 Hwy 20 Niceville James Lee Park 3510 Scenic Hwy 98 Destin Access from your Country was disabled by the administrator. ( Entrance into park ). Advertise Harwell said he also hopes to see more signs erected at beach accesses to raise awareness to littering laws, especially in areas where there tends to be more trash near condominiums and restaurants. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. AlertOkaloosa Information Center. All rights reserved. The success of this program is due in no small part to the outstanding public education effort made by all of the dedicated professionals in the Beach Safety Division. While Nicholson acknowledged that littering is a major issue, she said public safety is the No. The pier provides everything you would need for a day of fishing including licenses, equipment (for sale or rent), and bait. Megamenu requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. There are also a number of hotels and condominiums in Destin that offer wedding planning services. Whether taking place along the sugar-white sand beaches, out on the crystal-clear Gulf waters, or tucked away along a secluded nature trail, these adventures include dolphin excursions, charter fishing, eFoil lessons, snorkeling, camping, hiking, and more. The rakes groom the beaches and pick up trash but are unable to remove. Fishing and boating enthusiasts can choose either fresh water rivers, the saltwater Gulf of Mexico or the brackish Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay and have quick access to them by the free boat ramps scattered throughout the County. Homes similar to 179 S County Highway 393 Unit 443 are listed between $260K to $1M at an average of $650 per square foot. Critical County values include the following: continual improvement of infrastructure; health, safety, and well-being of the citizens; preservation of natural resources; responsible economic development; leadership; and stewardship. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level of accessible services on a cost effective basis. Fort Walton Beach is having its Fourth of July celebration Tuesday at The Landing, at 131 Brooks St. Ft. Walton Beach, Fla- The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (Okaloosa CHD) conducts bi-weekly saltwater beach water quality monitoring at 11 sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.Samples are collected from March through the end of October. 1,141 Sq. The agency performed 84,980 "preventative actions," rescued 48 people, and assisted another 24 people. Best Places to Fish on Okaloosa Island - TripShock Below is the full text of Section 14-11. You might have the chance to win "best in show.". Shalimar, FL 32579. Sitemap Walton County Sheriff Office reveals newest medical transport Okaloosa Island is a pet- friendly beach destination with plenty of activities for you and your furry friend to enjoy. (<1mb pdf, opens in new window), Vibrio Vulnificus Bacteria:Department information for Vibrio vulnificus. It's a move Okaloosa County Commissioners did not take lightly as they debated and took public comment for nearly three hours during an emergency meeting. The Destin lifeguards cover seven miles of beach from Capt. 2 Beds. Fourth of July Celebrations are plenty in Okaloosa County The beach-cleaning robot "Bebot" made a stop behind . Located in Northwest Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is not only an ideal place to unwind, but discover natural beauty, encounter wildlife and ultimately uncover the adventurous side within. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly. Click on the above link to go to a chart showing public beach access points in Destin Florida. The family-friendly locale offers an environment of discovery to play and explore, inviting kids to get on the water and give their adventurous side room to grow. Fort Walton Beach councilman's Facebook comment prompts ethics debate For that reason, the Beach Safety Division focuses daily on making contact with the public on the beach to educate as many people as possible on the flag warning system, rip currents, ordinances, and general beach safety. The commissioners have taken the idea into consideration and also plan to tackle littering through a beach ambassador program next year. We look forward to seeing you out on the beach! ExploreDestinFWB.com. County workers clean beaches on and near Okaloosa Island and in and near Destin every day using machine-pulled rakes. SE, from 5 to 9 p.m. Mission: To protect the health, safety, and welfare of our beach visitors by providing top quality prevention, rescue, and emergency medical response services to the public. We set the standard in reliability, responsiveness, and professional service on and off the beach. 2. Tourist Development - Home | Okaloosa County I honestly think that if people know we are out there looking for violators they will think twice because they dont want their pockets hit.. Protection against sunburn is needed. Family Resources Fun Around Town Health Resources Parties & Events Programs & Classes Shopping and Dining Sports Programs What's Happening Listing Search: Beaches This page lists beaches, beach access information, as well as beach attractions in the Okaloosa County, Walton County and Bay County, Florida area. For information on blue-green algae monitoring, please see the Florida Department of Environmental Protection algal bloom response website. The beautiful emerald colored water and white sandy beaches of Okaloosa Island draws an estimated 1.8 million visitors annually from all over the world. Eligible voters approved in 2021,the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development district. Okaloosa County's beach warning flag program uses flags in four colors accompanied by interpretive signs along the beach to explain the meaning of each color. Okaloosa County Saltwater Beach Monitoring Results for August 2, 2021 Twenty seven miles of public beaches will be closed in Okaloosa County in a drastic move to avoid further spread of COVID-19, effective Saturday March 21, through April 30. Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Okaloosa County (Coastal Zone) Issued by the National Weather Service, There are no active watches, warnings or advisories. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, Gulf-to-Table seafood, abundant watersport activities, nature trails and campgrounds, numerous attractions, festivals and events designed to thrill all ages. Privacy WALTON COUNTY, Fla. - The Walton County Florida Sheriff's Office has released information about two drowning that happened since Thursday on the beaches in that area.The statement reads as follows: To help make it easier than ever to discover these experiences, the destination introduced Little Adventures, new, bite-sized challenges that encourage families to get outside, learn something new, and get out of their comfort zones. County employees tasked with educating visitors about the safety issues such as the beach warning flag system would also share information about trash and littering. The OCSOs Beach Unit is tasked with handing out fines to anyone caught littering. Okaloosa Island- Public Safety will bring a chair to any location on the island. Home Various vendors will provide food and drink with live music from the band Scratch 2020. Destin Beach Safety issues statement on Ryan Mallett drowning You might also like: Erase The Trace Okaloosa adds borrow bin and trash pickup station near Okaloosa Island pier. Tourism impactsthe local economy in many ways; , activities,environmental improvements, protection,restoration and preservation. Mission: The mission of theTourism Development Department(TDD)is to make time spent here, whether visitingliving or working, more valuable to all. The Beach Warning Flags provide general warnings about overall surf . Click HERE to view theUpcoming TDC Meeting Agenda. Jennifer Adams, Director Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Short-term overnight rentals include hotels, motels, resort motels, apartments, apartment motels, rooming houses, mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, condominiums, condominium hotels, timeshare resorts, residential dwellings or campgrounds for a term of 6 months or less. The agency added that more than 200,000 people visited the beach between June 14 and June 25. ( Entrance into park ). Thats difficult to do, especially when youve got a crowded beach.. All Beach Safety Lifeguards are academy trained to the Advanced level of the United States Lifesaving Association's open water standard and are medically trained as First Responders in accordance with the U.S.D.O.T. 2022 Hurricane Season Resources. Shalimar, FL 32579. 179 S County Highway 393 Unit 443 - Redfin Okaloosa, Walton County Public Beaches Closed Amid COVID-19 Concerns The County Parks Department is always seeking to improve park services that provide a better quality of life for the residents of and visitors to Okaloosa County. Featured Listings Featured Listing Skip to content. Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Website. 5 min read. Various vendors will provide food and drink with live music from the band . Birdwatchers thrill to the variety of shore and inland species that call our County home or that pass through along the Great Florida Birding Trail. SHALIMAR The Okaloosa County Commission on Tuesday approved an ordinance that prohibits people from feeding birds at public beaches and waterfront parks within the county's jurisdiction. One idea Harwell proposed to the Okaloosa County Commission last month was that of a beach litter patrol that would focus on enforcement. Thank you! Call 850-837-8413 for assistance. Junior Lifeguards also take trips to Okaloosa Island Fire Department, EMS as well as Gulf Flight Helicopter tours! Special event funding Research and evaluation of the success of all programs and local economy Protection and improvements to the natural environment through funding of the artificial reef program, public beach access parks, beach trash removal, beach restoration improvements, Sea Turtle Conservation. Shores at Crystal Beach Park 2966 Scenic Highway 98 Destin, FL 32541 GPS 30 22'57.64" N 86 25'33.93" W ( Entrance into park ) Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the park features a pavilion, restrooms, showers and picnic tables. But Harwell said he believes there needs to be stronger enforcement of littering laws. Daily Beach flag information can be found on the County Facebook page or you can receive daily text alerts by texting BEACH to 44144. Newman C. Brackin Wayside Park Most were for underage drinking. The park's day use area is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. More on local beaches: Sea turtle nesting season starts in May. Sargassum seaweed piles up on Okaloosa County Beaches The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Destin, FL 32541, GPS 30 22'57.64" N 86 25'33.93" W Harwell said they find everything from plastic toys to discarded apple cores. Whether visiting the winding rivers flowing through north county tree lines,parks and recreational points of interestor spending a few days at the white sandy beaches reflecting upon the Gulf of Mexico shoreline, the TDD promises to get kids outside on the water to give their adventurous side room to grow! Phone: (850) 651-7150 K-ROCK 100.3 will host Freedom Fest 850 at Lions Park on Tuesday in Niceville from 5 to 9 p.m. Phone: (850) 689-5790 Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. Yet one such robot drew a small crowd during an appearance Tuesday on Okaloosa Island. Combating littering is more difficult during high-volume tourist seasons, Harwell said. Community outreach and public education on the importance of beach safety remains the most effective tool in promoting a safer beach environment. Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). All Senior staff members are Florida certified Emergency Medical Technicians. All rights reserved. Okaloosa County, located in the northwestern portion of the Florida panhandle, is known mostly for its clear emerald green water and soft, sugar-sand beaches.This community has a wide variety of entertainment opportunities that ranges from diving sunken ships, charter fishing opportunities, rich historical sites, shopping adventures, and local seafood. 3510 Scenic Hwy 98 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 Anyone interested in volunteering to help clean up local beaches or interested in getting involved can contact Erase the Trace Okaloosa through its Facebook page by visiting http://Erasethetraceokaloosa.com/ or by calling 850-737-3131. Obviously theres a need for some type of system to be put in place, because you go to the beach, all youve got to do is just walk out your door and look down the road and youll see trash down the side of it, he said. (Waterways Ordinance 2018-01; Section 22-54) Please allow a 15' setback from dunes and water's edge for emergency vehicles. Nearby similar homes. James Lee Park Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, Gulf-to-Table seafood, abundant watersport activities, nature trails and campgrounds, numerous attractions, festivals and events designed to thrill all ages. Located next to the pier Newman Brackin Park offers plenty of parking, picnic tables, pavilions, playground, swimming and restrooms. * WHEREIn Alabama, Butler, Crenshaw and Covington Counties. Destin Public Safety: James Lee Park, Shirah Beach Access and the Back Porch. ( Park entrance off 98 ). Take precautions, such as covering up, if you will be outside. For information on health effects related to Ride Tide, please see the Department of Healths Aquatic Toxins program website. Harwell said Erase the Trace Okaloosa and other local environmental groups that have popped up in recent years have been working together to find solutions. Ft. 515 Tops L Beach Blvd #212, Miramar Beach, FL 32550. To help make it easier than ever to discover these experiences, the destination introduced Little Adventures, new, bite-sized challenges that encourage families to get outside, learn something new, and get out of their comfort zones. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. PS - Beach Safety - Operations | Okaloosa County Public Event Information (including beach weddings) 3 pavilions, 41 picnic tables, 9 dune walkovers, a playground, restrooms with changing rooms, and 166 parking spaces. This 1,262-foot pier is located on the west end of Okaloosa Island, at the heart of the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk. at the National Weather Service YouTube channel. All rights reserved. Destin, Florida 32541, GPS 30 23'12.86" N 86 26'51.13" W A new partnership is helping save lives in Walton County. 4343 Jason Harwell, founder of local environmental group Erase the Trace Okaloosa, said combating littering on beaches . Fax: (850) 651-7170, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association - OILA - Beach Erosion and Sand To find out more about the borrow bins and their locations, contact the Destin - Fort Walton Beach Welcome Center at (800) 322- 3319. June 14, 2023 Ft. Walton Beach, Fla - The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) conducts bi-weekly saltwater beach water quality monitoring at 11 sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Okaloosa Island is a seven-mile-long barrier island that stretches between and connects Fort Walton Beach to Destin.