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 […]

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

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.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Business

Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

Parks+Rec

Okaloosa County clears final hurdle for ‘Dowd Park’ purchase near Shalimar Bridge

Public Safety

Okaloosa approves first rate increase for Dorcas fire district since county takeover

Parks+Rec

Destin, Okaloosa County open Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park with 340 feet of new public beach access

Kristopher Pierce commented on 80ft former scuba dive boat finds new purpose as artificial reef offshore Destin-Fort Walton Beach

“As the very last Captain of the Nekton Rorqual, it saddens me to see these boats at the bottom of the ocean!! I truly wish that some of the investors...”

Respond

Irma Garza commented on HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital first in tri-county area to perform new high blood pressure procedure

“Interesting. Had a life saving stent done at that hospital after a major heart attack. Was about to go to Houston VA hospital cause I heard about new procedures they...”

Tammy commented on Jigsaw – “Local Murals”

“Mary, I first thought the same as you about the background but when I went back and looked in the settings you can change the background to any color you...”

Mary commented on Jigsaw – “Local Murals”

“This is the worst thing yet. Did anyone ever think about the color of the background? This was not fun, and relaxing! It was irritating and frustrating. Made me think...”

Bo Arnold commented on Meigs Park project moving forward as pavilion, restroom facilities take shape in Niceville

“The Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso is really excited to see the park completed and put to use. We know of at least one family from Freeport who will be traveling...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 17, 2026

“0:56, 4 attempts”

SCOTT commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“Susan, pretty much none of that is true. Have you calculated the difference for you personally between current taxes and then with the additional homestead exemption but with additional sales...”

Susan L Hudson commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“This is like taking from Peter to pay Paul. Taxes are already 7%, this will make them 8%. People think about if you have to buy a big ticket item?...”

Wayne Parsons commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“NO, no more taxes”

Susan L Hudson commented on Meigs Park project moving forward as pavilion, restroom facilities take shape in Niceville

“Who is doing the work and why didn't they put up screen to protect our natural water stream from getting all the sand, clay, trash, and who knows what else...”