As the Fourth of July nears, Walton County is calling on locals and visitors to help protect one of its most vulnerable beachgoers: sea turtles.

The Walton County Beach Code Compliance office will once again team up with the South Walton Turtle Watch Group (SWTW) on the morning of July 4, 2025, to conduct a critical nesting survey.

In its third consecutive year, this sunrise tradition ensures safe nesting conditions for endangered sea turtles along Grayton Beach.

To support the effort, beach driving will be prohibited from 10 p.m. on July 3 until the morning survey wraps up, typically by 8 a.m. on July 4. Officers will monitor the Grayton Beach access point to restrict vehicle traffic and enforce Section 2024-22-57(4)(q) of Walton County’s Beach Activities Ordinance. Vehicles found on the beach during these restricted hours could face written citations.

Key Beach Driving Rules:

• Driving is prohibited from 10 PM to 8 AM unless the nesting survey concludes earlier.
• Vehicles launching or retrieving boats must park in designated areas.
• Between dusk and 10 PM, headlights must be dimmed and fitted with red filters to prevent disorienting nesting turtles.
• Beyond protecting turtles, the county is also reminding everyone of Section 14-11 of the Land Development Code, which prohibits fireworks, toy firearms, and explosives in any public parks or county-leased beach access areas. This includes firecrackers, rockets, and any flammable materials, and yes, even the sparklers.
• Parents and guardians will be held accountable for violations by minors, and permits must be obtained for any exceptions.

Let’s keep July 4th beach-happy and wildlife-friendly.

For more info, please call Walton County Code Compliance at 850-622-0000.