Beach

Okaloosa County prohibits bird feeding on public beaches

On Tuesday, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance that prohibits the feeding of birds at public beaches and county waterfront parks. Originally, the ordinance would have prohibited people from feeding wildlife at any county-owned or leased property, including public parks. But after hearing from the public and much deliberation among the Commissioners, […]

Jared Williams

On Tuesday, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance that prohibits the feeding of birds at public beaches and county waterfront parks.

Originally, the ordinance would have prohibited people from feeding wildlife at any county-owned or leased property, including public parks.

But after hearing from the public and much deliberation among the Commissioners, it was decided that this ordinance would only pertain to the feeding of birds at public beaches and county waterfront parks that are south of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

This includes:

Veterans Park
Marler Park
James Lee Park

According to County officials, feeding wildlife often has a detrimental rather than a helpful effect and may cause some species to concentrate so much on this supplemental feeding that they become a nuisance or threat to people.

The first violation will result in a verbal warning and a second violation will result in a $100 fine. Third violation will result in a $250 fine and a misdemeanor.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Military

Commissioner: Eglin waterway restrictions “not nearly as impactful” as initially feared

Business

Okaloosa to purchase former bank building in Cinco Bayou for tourism offices, public boat ramp upgrades

Parks+Rec

Okaloosa asks public to ‘stay off’ bridge-to-bridge path during construction

Parks+Rec

Okaloosa County approves $4.6M Veterans Park shoreline restoration project

Trina commented on Winn-Dixie on Beal Parkway to become ALDI in Fort Walton Beach, closes for renovations in Oct.

“I absolutely love Aldis. I also love Winn Dixie. However with the cost of groceries at the time, I tend to shop Aldi more often. Yes they do not have...”

Respond

Brian Apo commented on GALLERY: SS United States arrives in Mobile to begin artificial reef conversion

“It's true. They are destroying an American icon. Only a few will dive down to her grave, when thousands if not more, could enjoy her gracious and elegant beauty as...”

Mike C. commented on Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

“I was shipmates with the radar off the Big U on the American Astronaut.”

Bill Stegall commented on Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

“It's a boat people! Get OVER it!!!”

Tom commented on VIDEO: Orcas spotted in Gulf of Mexico by Destin charter boat

“Maybe Melon headed or Pilot Whakes”

“I am aware of the false killer whale, but I have to disagree, although its hard to tell by their appearance on this video, there are two things that differ...”

Jeanie Caughman commented on Okaloosa asks public to ‘stay off’ bridge-to-bridge path during construction

“I think they need to put up some kind of signs also for out tourist.”

Deanna commented on The road ahead: Inside the year-long transformation of SS United States into world’s largest artificial reef

“Response from Robert. Deanna? From Raleigh? Nice perspective! Thank you! I'm in the area where it will become the world's largest artificial reef. It will also benefit marine life, I...”

Lori M commented on Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

“Won’t the deterioration of the ship pollute the water?”

Nicole commented on VIDEO: Local auto shop surprises Niceville JROTC cadet with life-changing car donation

“Wow....wow....wow! I love everything about this. A hardworking and deserving family being blessed by another local hardworking family. THIS is what life is about people!! STOP THE HATE”