The Destin City Council voted unanimously last Monday to schedule a public hearing on a proposal that would allow bonfires on city beaches for the first time.
- The council discussed the bonfire proposal during its June 2 regular meeting after City Manager Larry Jones presented research on how neighboring Walton County handles beach fires.
Currently, bonfires are prohibited on both public and private beaches within Destin city limits. Any change would require amending the city’s code of ordinances.
Walton County allows bonfires on both public and private beaches through a permit system managed by the South Walton Fire District. Permits cost $100 plus a $5 administrative fee, with the revenue split equally between the county and fire district. Jones said Walton County issues approximately 9,500 bonfire permits annually, though Councilman Jim Bagby questioned that figure.
“If they had 9,500 bonfires last year, that means they had over one per-mile every single day of the year. And I know that didn’t happen,” Bagby said.
The Destin Fire Control District expressed willingness to serve as the permitting authority if the city moves forward with the proposal.
Councilman Kevin Schmidt initially made a motion to have city staff draft an ordinance amendment allowing bonfires between October and March, with a vendor requirement limiting operations to one approved vendor.
- “We talk all the time about how we need to make more money in the city without taxing the citizens and charging them fees. This was just a unique idea,” Schmidt said.
However, Councilman Dewey Destin offered a substitute motion to hold a public hearing first, saying he wasn’t prepared to move forward with the ordinance process without hearing more from residents.
“Tonight we’ve had three people show up that were opposed, none who said they wanted that to happen,” Destin said.
The council voted 6-0 to schedule the public hearing for the first meeting in July.
Councilwoman Teresa Hebert said residents had approached the council about having family bonfires, not necessarily the college crowd.
Bagby expressed concerns about enforcement challenges based on his experience as tourism director in Walton County, citing issues with unauthorized vendors and environmental impacts during turtle nesting season.
- “People that go to bonfires on the beach don’t understand the turtles and how you need to stay away from them and what distracts the turtles,” Bagby said.
In Walton County, flames cannot exceed four feet in height under current regulations. Code enforcement officers check for proper permits, though Jones noted Walton County has substantially more code enforcement staff than Destin.
3 Responses
I think this would be a huge mistake allowing fires on our beaches . I have seen on social media that the bonfire vendors in Walton county come to set up early afternoons and have asked people to move for them to set up . We have such little public beach access and vendors monopolize most of it that already the residents have no where to go . Residents and tourists should not be expected to move for another vending service especially if they have been on the beach all day . Leave no Trace would be violated as well !
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my support for allowing bonfires on the beaches of Destin and to highlight the numerous benefits this tradition could bring to both residents and visitors alike. As a coastal community, we have the unique opportunity to enhance our local culture, economy, and recreational offerings by permitting responsible beach bonfires.
Benefits for Tourism and Local Economy:
– Attracting Visitors – Many tourists seek out destinations that offer memorable experiences, and beach bonfires provide a unique and relaxing atmosphere that encourages longer stays and repeat visits.
– Boosting Local Businesses – Restaurants, hotels, and shops would benefit from increased foot traffic as visitors extend their time in the area to enjoy evening bonfires.
– Enhancing Community Events – Bonfires could be incorporated into seasonal festivals, weddings, and other gatherings, further promoting tourism and local engagement.
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my support for allowing bonfires on the beaches of Destin and to highlight the numerous benefits this tradition could bring to both residents and visitors alike. As a coastal community, we have the unique opportunity to enhance our local culture, economy, and recreational offerings by permitting responsible beach bonfires.
Benefits for Tourism and Local Economy:
– Attracting Visitors – Many tourists seek out destinations that offer memorable experiences, and beach bonfires provide a unique and relaxing atmosphere that encourages longer stays and repeat visits.
– Boosting Local Businesses – Restaurants, hotels, and shops would benefit from increased foot traffic as visitors extend their time in the area to enjoy evening bonfires.
– Enhancing Community Events – Bonfires could be incorporated into seasonal festivals, weddings, and other gatherings, further promoting tourism and local engagement.
Judy Mizro