According to Panama City News Herald, a unanimous vote by Walton County commissioners resulted in the closure of the county’s beaches to the general public for 30 days, effective immediately, with the possibility of further extensions with additional commission votes.
Deputies and other partners, including the South Walton Fire District, county code enforcement personnel and the Tourist Development Council will begin by educating the public about the new ordinance, and then moving toward voluntary compliance.
Adkinson said that while voluntary compliance is the goal, his office is ready to fully enforce the ordinance, a violation of which is a misdemeanor, in the event of resistance.
