Destin bonfire ordinance dies on floor without a second

Destin bonfire ordinance dies on floor without a second Collin Bestor July 9, 2025 12:30 am Destin In Brief: πŸ”₯ Destin residents overwhelmingly opposed allowing beach bonfires during a heated public hearing. 🚫 Council members rejected a proposal to draft an ordinance for fires on private property after strong public backlash. 🌊 Residents cited code […]

Mary Esther officials weigh options after sudden cancellation of animal control contract

Mary Esther officials weigh options after sudden cancellation of animal control contract Collin Bestor June 23, 2025 6:21 pm Mary Esther In Brief: 🐾 PAWS abruptly ends contract with Mary Esther, leaving the city without animal control services. πŸ“ˆ New contract proposed higher rates, prompting council concerns over fairness and financial burden. πŸ›οΈ Officials weigh […]

Eight Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf

Two Gulfarium CARE Center staff members carry a rehabilitated sea turtle toward the shoreline as a large crowd watches during a public release at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

Eight Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf Staff Reports June 18, 2025 2:37 pm Charities and Nonprofits, Destin, Okaloosa County, Wildlife In Brief: 🐒 Eight rehabilitated sea turtles returned to the Gulf of Mexico in a public release at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on June 17. The Gulfarium CARE Center, which treated […]

Destin Considers Legalizing Beach Bonfires

A beach bonfire burns in the foreground at sunset on a Destin, Florida shoreline, with text overlay reading β€œBeach bonfires may soon be legal (and profitable) in Destin.”

Destin Considers Legalizing Beach Bonfires Collin Bestor June 4, 2025 12:55 pm Destin, News, Uncategorized In Brief: Destin City Council is exploring an ordinance that could legalize beach bonfires on city-owned property. The proposed permit program is modeled after Walton County’s and aims to raise revenue without taxing residents. Key hurdles include determining which beachfront […]

Three Named To Serve On Mid Bay Bridge Authority

Governor DeSantis announces key appointments to the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, including three military veterans with extensive leadership experience. Read more about their backgrounds and what they bring to this crucial role in Okaloosa County’s infrastructure.