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Beach Rules
Please
don't walk on the sand dunes!
Excessive human or vehicle traffic and construction activities
destroy vegetation holding a dune in place. Sand dunes are built by sand
that blows into vegetated areas on the beach. Dunes act as barriers to
winds and waves, protecting homes and businesses. During storms and
hurricanes, dune sands wash into the Gulf, reducing the energy of storm
waves. To provide natural protection, sand dunes must be preserved.
Please stay out of the sand dunes and sea oats, using public beach
walkovers instead.
Beach walkovers prevent foot traffic that destroys
fragile dune plants, which anchor the sand dunes during storms. Most
structures are made of wood and act as bridge around or over the dune.
Please use our beach walkovers to help preserve our sand dune barrier
system, and enjoy the Emerald Coast's unsurpassed beauty.
Sea Turtles Need Our Help, Too
Sea turtles nest on Gulf beaches between April and November. Due to
human exploration and habitat destruction, sea turtles are threatened
with extinction. The female turtle usually comes ashore at night to lay
her eggs in the sand. In two or three hours she will lay about 120 eggs,
yet only one turtle per nest will survive to adulthood. Avoid disturbing
a turtle that is crawling to or from the water. Avoid crowding around a
nesting turtle and do not shine lights in her eyes or take flash
pictures.
Sea Turtles Are Protected by Law
All sea turtles are protected by the US Endangered Species Act and
Florida State Law. It is illegal to kill or harm sea turtles. It is also
illegal to disturb the nest of a sea turtle. Heavy fines and possible
imprisonment may result.
Glass Bottles Are Not Allowed on Beach
Glass bottles are not allowed on any Destin area beaches. If caught
with glass on the beach, first-time offenders face a $50 fine,
second-time offenders face a $150 fine, and third-time offenders face a
$300 fine, according to a City of Destin Ordinance. |
