What is Leave No Trace?

In 2017, the City of Destin started our Leave No Trace initiative to promote environmental awareness and pride in our city. We love Destin and we all play a vital role and must be conscious of our actions and how they can impact our environment and city.  

Through a partnership between the City of Destin, Okaloosa County and the Okaloosa Tourist Development Department, our beaches and beach trash cans are cleaned and emptied on a regular basis. In 2019, more than 1.3 million pounds of trash was collected from Destin and Okaloosa Island beaches. In 2020, about 900,000 pounds of trash was collected off the same beaches in a year of COVID-19 related travel impacts. It is our hope that residents and visitors will take individual pride and initiative to ensure that our emerald waters and sugar white beaches remains beautiful.

Our Leave no Trace initiative goes beyond our beaches and waterways. We want our residents, businesses, and visitors to take pride in our roadways, front yards, our parks as well as our entire city.

The Destin City Council, Mayor, and staff hope residents, local businesses and visitors will join the effort and support the Leave No Trace initiative, and here is how you can participate! Businesses can promote the initiative by displaying the Leave No Trace logo on their digital billboards or simply post “Leave No Trace” on their marquee sign. We kindly ask all residents and visitors to remove all the items that they bring with them. We ask they take pride in Destin and keep our beautiful city clean. It is that simple.

The city works with many partners to collaborate on various clean-ups throughout the year and operates an Adopt-A-Street Program which allows local families, businesses, and community groups to perform a valuable community service by adopting sections of a street to keep clear of litter and debris. 

Leave No Trace logo

Okaloosa County supports and has expanded the Leave No Trace initiative. For more information on their efforts please visit http://myokaloosa.com/bcc/leavenotrace.

Show All Answers

1. Are Low Speed Vehicles (LSV's) and Golf Carts Allowed to be Driven within the City Limits of Destin?
2. Drones: Rules and Safety Tips
3. FAA Complaint and Inquiry Information
4. How do I report airport noise/aircraft noise?
5. Is the Mid-Bay toll bridge part of the city?
6. Where is public parking and is there a fee?
7. Are fires allowed on the beach?
8. Can I take my dog on the beach?
9. Are fireworks allowed on the beach?
10. Where can I get a marriage license?
11. Does the city require a permit for a beach wedding?
12. Can I camp overnight on the beach?
13. Am I allowed to take a pop up tent on the beach?
14. Does Destin have a public tennis court?
15. How do I report an aggressive animal?
16. How do I recycle in Destin?
17. Where can I launch my boat?
18. Who do I contact regarding mosquito problems?
19. What are the regulations for political signs in the city?
20. How do I report a problem with a street light?
21. What is the schedule for running the harbor pump?
22. Can I leave items on the beach overnight?
23. Are there beach warning flags?
24. Can I set up my belongings within 20 feet of the water's edge?
25. What beach park should I visit?
26. Can I drive my vehicle on the beach?
27. Can I have glass on the beach?
28. What is Leave No Trace?
29. When is Sea Turtle Nesting Season?
30. How Do I Report Homestead Exemption Abuse?
31. How do I found out what is on the council agenda?