At Five Star Properties, we have been receiving many questions from visitors to Destin about whether or not the Destin beaches are safe for swimming. These concerns were sparked by an incorrect statement by meteorologist Glenn Durns of WSB-TV in Atlanta about “flesh-eating” bacteria on our Gulf Coast shores. We are happy to repeat that this statement was false, and our beaches are still open to the public.
We got the facts about our water safety from the Florida Department of Health, which keeps the community safe with their Florida Healthy Beaches Program. At the time of Durns reporting, the Florida Department of Health reported that six Gulf Coast beaches were under a “health advisory,” which commonly occurs after heavy rainfall. The number of beaches under the health advisory has since dropped to only four beaches. The majority of Florida’s beaches remain safe to enjoy and pose no health threats. There are dozens of public beach access throughout Destin and Miramar Beach ready for you to jump right in and enjoy the Gulf of Mexico’s sparkling blue-green water!
The beaches of Destin are intended to be fun, enjoyable, and relaxing. Sometimes visitors feel uncertain about the water conditions. If you’re feeling uncertain, just check the Florida Dept of Health’s Florida Healthy Beaches Program website! Also make sure to pay attention to the beach warning flags flying on the beaches for surf and current conditions:
Two Red Flags - Water Closed to Public
One Red Flag - High Hazard (High surf and/or strong currents)
Yellow Flag - Medium Hazard (Moderate surf and/or currents)
Green Flag - Low Hazard (Calm conditions, exercise caution)
Purple Flag - Dangerous Marine Life