Walton County COVID19 Updates
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Well that is a simmering disaster.
It will be.
Walton County Beach Vending Permits Suspended
At this morning’s (Tuesday, March 24) Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board made the decision to suspend all beach vending permits due to COVID-19. This results in no beach vending allowed on all beaches in Walton County. This change is effective immediately, with education and voluntary compliance beginning today, and education and enforcement beginning tomorrow (March 25.)
Vendors who are non-compliant will be in violation of Walton County Municipal Code Chapter 22, Walton County Waterways and Beach Activities, Section 22-60 (b) and Florida Statute 256.36 – Emergency Management Powers of the Governor.
Enforcement of such will be implemented by Walton County Beach Code Enforcement and Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
At this time Beach Code Enforcement will not issue any new vending permits until further notice.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Walton County Beach Operations if you should have any questions: (850) 267-4578
At this morning’s (Tuesday, March 24) Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board made the decision to suspend all beach vending permits due to COVID-19. This results in no beach vending allowed on all beaches in Walton County. This change is effective immediately, with education and voluntary compliance beginning today, and education and enforcement beginning tomorrow (March 25.)
Vendors who are non-compliant will be in violation of Walton County Municipal Code Chapter 22, Walton County Waterways and Beach Activities, Section 22-60 (b) and Florida Statute 256.36 – Emergency Management Powers of the Governor.
Enforcement of such will be implemented by Walton County Beach Code Enforcement and Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
At this time Beach Code Enforcement will not issue any new vending permits until further notice.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Walton County Beach Operations if you should have any questions: (850) 267-4578
Okaloosa votes to close ALL beaches and more facilities, Crab Island remains open
Regarding private beaches, that is, those beaches behind many hotels and resorts, the board voted to exercise their emergency authority to close all private beaches on Okaloosa Island. That is, all gulf-front beaches will be closed effective March 25, 2020 through April 30, 2020.
Effective March 25, 2020 through April 30, 2020, the following County properties and facilities are closed:
Regarding private beaches & Crab Island
At the same March 19th meeting, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners decided to close public beaches, beach accessways, certain beach parking areas, beachfront parks, limited the use of the pier, and suspended beach vending permits and Crab Island vending permits.
Although these were big steps in preventing the spread of the virus, additional measures have since been taken by other local governments and the State which seek to prevent larger gatherings and community transmission.
Okaloosa County has been in touch with the National Park Service regarding Crab Island. The NPS gave the county to okay to close Crab Island if deemed necessary. After much discussion on whether it was the right choice to close Crab Island, the board chose to keep Crab Island open for the time-being.
Regarding private beaches, that is, those beaches behind many hotels and resorts, the board voted to exercise their emergency authority to close all private beaches on Okaloosa Island. That is, all gulf-front beaches will be closed effective March 25, 2020 through April 30, 2020.
Effective March 25, 2020 through April 30, 2020, the following County properties and facilities are closed:
- Pavilions
- Athletic fields and courts; Exception: open space fields designated by the Public Works Director for non-organized, general public recreational use only.
- Baker Arena; Exception: individual boarders and riders located on the property.
- Camping and RV facilities
- Community Centers
- Public bathrooms
- Playground related equipment
- Parks, if effectively all facilities within the park are closed.
Regarding private beaches & Crab Island
At the same March 19th meeting, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners decided to close public beaches, beach accessways, certain beach parking areas, beachfront parks, limited the use of the pier, and suspended beach vending permits and Crab Island vending permits.
Although these were big steps in preventing the spread of the virus, additional measures have since been taken by other local governments and the State which seek to prevent larger gatherings and community transmission.
Okaloosa County has been in touch with the National Park Service regarding Crab Island. The NPS gave the county to okay to close Crab Island if deemed necessary. After much discussion on whether it was the right choice to close Crab Island, the board chose to keep Crab Island open for the time-being.
March 25
The Florida Department of Health in Walton County announces additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Walton County. This brings the total to 13 positive tests
The additional individuals are:
• 20-year-old female Florida resident
The Florida Department of Health in Walton County is working closely with all individuals, their close contacts, and healthcare providers to determine what additional COVID-19 testing may be required.
The FDOH is also coordinating with local and state officials to ensure proper precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. DOH Walton stresses the importance of following the local, state, federal and CDC guidelines and practicing social distancing to protect those that are most at risk.
Updated information can also be found at Florida Department of Health in Walton, www.floridahealth.gov and www.cdc.gov or you can call the COVID-19 Call Center (866) 779-6121 24/7 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated twice daily with specific County information.
The Florida Department of Health in Walton County announces additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Walton County. This brings the total to 13 positive tests
The additional individuals are:
• 20-year-old female Florida resident
The Florida Department of Health in Walton County is working closely with all individuals, their close contacts, and healthcare providers to determine what additional COVID-19 testing may be required.
The FDOH is also coordinating with local and state officials to ensure proper precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. DOH Walton stresses the importance of following the local, state, federal and CDC guidelines and practicing social distancing to protect those that are most at risk.
Updated information can also be found at Florida Department of Health in Walton, www.floridahealth.gov and www.cdc.gov or you can call the COVID-19 Call Center (866) 779-6121 24/7 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated twice daily with specific County information.
Accommodations Updates
Alys Beach:
Howard Hospitality:
Rosemary Beach:
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort:
Seascape:
The Pearl Hotel:
WaterColor Inn:
WaterSound Inn:
Alys Beach:
- Effective 3/21/2020, Alys Beach Vacation Rentals will be suspended until further notice. Alys Beach will also be closing its beaches at sunset, effective 3/20/2020.
- Guests will be offered full refunds or may reschedule for a later date.
- No new reservations are being accepted for the time period of the next 30 days.
- Most amenities have been closed (including Caliza Restaurant, Caliza Pool, NEAT Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, ZUMA Wellness Center- including basketball and tennis courts, Piper’s Kitchen, Alys Shoppe, The Bike Shop, Beach Service and Recreation activities, Amphitheatre Splash Pad), and a curfew has been set for 10 p.m. for nonresident minors.
Howard Hospitality:
- The leadership team has made the decision to temporarily close Howard Hospitality hotels (Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, and Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard) until April 30, 2020.
Rosemary Beach:
- Effective immediately, the Rosemary Beach community is closing its beaches to all owners and guests until April 12th, 2020.
- In response to changing marketplace conditions, Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company is committed to ensuring our customers experience flexibility during these challenging times.
- We are implementing the following policies:
- We have made the difficult decision to recommend all reservations cancel for the week of March 21-28, 2020. We will be contacting all guests scheduled to arrive during this period to either postpone to a future date or cancel with a full refund. Additionally, we will no longer be accepting new reservations to arrive March 21 – 28, 2020.
- For guests with existing reservations arriving on (or before) April 11, we will allow guests to postpone their reservation or cancel with a refund. Please note that any changes to existing reservations will be subject to availability and any rate differences.
- We ask that those with travel insurance and qualified claims file a claim through Red Sky Sun Trip Preserver.
- Guests with existing reservations arriving after April 11, we will continue to update this page with any changes to our current COVID19 policies. Guests who booked via online travel agents or other third-party travel professionals are advised to contact their booking provider for information on their policies.
- We are experiencing a very high call volume and are working diligently to respond to voicemails as quickly as possible. We encourage you to email us at rentals@rosemarybeach.com with any questions you may have.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort:
- Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will be closing to non-residential guests on Monday and will remain closed until April 6. We will be assessing the closure on a weekly basis at that time.
- We will not be accepting new reservations for that time period.
- Sandestin’s private beach, the Beach Club beach, clubhouse, and pool are closed effective immediately.
- The Sandestin-owned retail outlets in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Island Clothiers, Barefoot Princess, Sandestin Clothing Company, and Coconut Kidz have been closed.
Seascape:
- Has closed its beach, as well as its pools and Triangle Tennis Courts. The golf course and Tennis Village courts remain open. Additional information can be found here.
The Pearl Hotel:
- In an effort to do our part in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, we have made the difficult but responsible decision to close our property. Beginning Saturday, March 21, at 11 a.m., The Pearl Hotel will be closed until at least Sunday, April 5. All reservations made for this time period will be cancelled and refunded. We will not be accepting reservations for the period of March 21 - April 5; however, we are currently accepting reservations for stays beginning April 6 and extending refundable rates for new bookings within the hotel’s cancellation policy timeframe of two weeks.
- Given the fluid nature of this situation, this status is likely to change frequently. Our team will be assessing the situation on a day-by-day basis and providing updates accordingly.
WaterColor Inn:
- In an effort to do our part in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, we have made the difficult but responsible decision to close our property. Beginning Saturday, March 21, at 11 a.m., WaterColor Inn will be closed until at least Sunday, April 5. All reservations made for this time period will be cancelled and refunded. We will not be accepting reservations for the period of March 21 - April 5; however, we are currently accepting reservations for stays beginning April 6 and extending refundable rates for new bookings within the hotel’s cancellation policy timeframe of two weeks.
- Given the fluid nature of this situation, this status is likely to change frequently. Our team will be assessing the situation on a day-by-day basis and providing updates accordingly.
WaterSound Inn:
- In an effort to do our part in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, we have made the difficult but responsible decision to close our property. Beginning Saturday, March 21, at 11 a.m., WaterSound Inn will be closed until at least Sunday, April 5. All reservations made for this time period will be cancelled and refunded. We will not be accepting reservations for the period of March 21 - April 5; however, we are currently accepting reservations for stays beginning April 6 and extending refundable rates for new bookings within the hotel’s cancellation policy timeframe of two weeks.
- Given the fluid nature of this situation, this status is likely to change frequently. Our team will be assessing the situation on a day-by-day basis and providing updates accordingly.
Walton County Emergency Management
March 26
In order to provide information and important links regarding COVID-19, we have established www.waltoncovid19.org.
This will be updated as we receive new information and links.
Currently, the pages include updated numbers on COVID-19 testing and results in Walton County, mental health assistance information, information on closures and services of local businesses and restaurants and links to other health information sites.
3/26/2020
COVID19 - 13 Cases Reported in Walton County
March 26
In order to provide information and important links regarding COVID-19, we have established www.waltoncovid19.org.
This will be updated as we receive new information and links.
Currently, the pages include updated numbers on COVID-19 testing and results in Walton County, mental health assistance information, information on closures and services of local businesses and restaurants and links to other health information sites.
3/26/2020
COVID19 - 13 Cases Reported in Walton County
Last edited:
March 27
Walton County Closes Morrison Springs and Grady Brown Parks
Effective immediately and based upon updated monitoring info and a recommendation from Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Walton County has closed Morrison Springs and Grady Brown Parks to the general public.
While the parks are closed, the boat ramps at each park will remain open.
Walton County Closes Morrison Springs and Grady Brown Parks
Effective immediately and based upon updated monitoring info and a recommendation from Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Walton County has closed Morrison Springs and Grady Brown Parks to the general public.
While the parks are closed, the boat ramps at each park will remain open.