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Destin Warnings or Dangers
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Destin Warnings or Dangers

Destin travel tips posted by real travelers and Destin locals.
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Watch out for seaweed & jellyfish
  • Tip Rating:
  • myrtle
  • Updated By myrtle on June 16, 2004
  • Destin Page by myrtle
  • Flag System - Destin
    Flag System
    by myrtle
    If you go too late in the season you may run into a problem with lots of seaweed in the ocean. It's very disgusting & very disappointing if you go during this time because the color of the water is no longer as beautiful as it usually is, and you come out of the water finding seaweed in all kinds of places in your bathing suit. Also the jellyfish tend to be more numerous at this time of the year, too. Late in the season would be considered late August-September.

    This picture of the flag system was given to us at our condo and comes from the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. They've recently added a purple flag to warn of "marine pests", which in most cases for us meant jellyfish.

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  • Phone: 800-322-3319
  • Website: www.destin-fwb.com
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    Rip tide!!!
  • Tip Rating:
  • angel_000
  • By angel_000 on October 19, 2003
  • Destin Page by angel_000
  • I ignored a red flag!! Help!!!! - Destin
    I ignored a red flag!!
    Help!!!!
    by angel_000
    This strong current of water, also called an UNDERTOW, is deadlier than any storm. It can pull the strongest swimmer out to sea.

    Before going to the beach, listen to the radio or watch for the surfing warning flags. If there are, do not go swimming.

    If caught in a rip tide:

    Do not panic and do not fight it. You cannot out-swim the fast-moving current and you will only tire yourself and make it harder to survive.
    Swim parallel to the shore. A rip tide is usually no more than a few hundred feet wide. Once you are free, swim back to shore.
    If you can't swim parallel to the shore, go with the current. As you get farther from shore, the current will dissipate. You can then swim back to shore by avoiding the same area.

  • Phone: 850 932-SURF
  • Website: http://sria-fla.com/surfflags.htm
  • Other Contact: www.visitpensacolabeach.com
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    Watch Where you're going!
  • Tip Rating:
  • cobrioc
  • Updated By cobrioc on October 18, 2002
  • Destin Page by cobrioc
  • Destin Warnings or Dangers
    by cobrioc
    Destin, Watch where you're going! Tip smarter next time!
    Now you can watch Beach TV LIVE on the web! Plus restaurant reviews, hotel reviews and other important travel news on demand!
    Tripsmarter.com
    Radio Stations-WKSM 99.5 FM Rock
    WWAV 102.1 FM Classic Rock
    Tips for buying and handling seafood:::
    My Traveling Tips::
    Did you know you can buy fresh seafood and haved packed to travel? Area seafood companies are happy to help you take a little of your vacation home with you get back!
    --Rule number one is keep it cold! Seafood will stay fresh only if it's cold.
    --Never leave seafood in a hot car, since this
    speed spoilage and may make seafood unsafe to eat
    My Fishing information: A Florida Fishing licence is required out of state visitors 16 years of age and older. A licence is required for Florida residences between 16 to 64 years of age. Those person 65 and over must carry proof of age residency and must have been resident for a least six monts.

    Florida residents totally and pernamently disabled are eligible for a free licence.
    Out-of-State Residents: Freshwater $16.50 7-day licence. Saltwater$6.50 3-day licence
    Florida Residets:
    Freshwater:$ 126.50 lifetime licence
    Saltwater: $126.50 lifetime licence
    Annual Licence $13.50
    I give you this number for information to call at: Freshwater Fishing Information:888-404-3922
    Saltwater Fishing Information:888-404-3922
    Anglers Outreach:850-488-6058

    A red flag flying at the beach is a sign of strong currents and possible undertow.Do not swim under these conditions!!!!
    Destin Tourist Center 24 Hwy. 98E. Destin
    Tel:850-650-6400 open daily 9-8
    Good luck!

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    Time
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  • cobrioc
  • By cobrioc on October 18, 2002
  • Destin Page by cobrioc
  • Destin Warnings or Dangers
    by cobrioc
    Florida has two time zones. Most of the state operates on Eastern Standard Time, while the
    Panhandle region west of the Apalachicola River keeps Central Stamdard Time.

    Emerald Coast Convention & Visitor Bureau,
    P.O.Box 609, Fort Walton Beach, Fl.32549
    tel:850-651-71731 or 800-322-3319

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    Crime
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  • cobrioc
  • By cobrioc on October 18, 2002
  • Destin Page by cobrioc
  • Destin Warnings or Dangers
    by cobrioc
    For the most part, Florida is a safe as anywhere in the world. As elsewhere in the
    U.S., there are certain urban areas that may be unsuitable for lone travelers, particularly women, and especially at night.

    When in doubt about an area, do not explore alone, or take a cab instead of walking.

    The sale and consmption of alcohol in bars, restaurants, stores, and other public places is restrticted to adults age 21 and over. It is also illegal to drink or have an open can or bottle of alcoholic beverage in car.

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    Weather Terms
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  • cobrioc
  • Updated By cobrioc on October 21, 2002
  • Destin Page by cobrioc
  • Destin Warnings or Dangers
    by cobrioc
    Hurricane Season is June 1 through November 30. In the event of an evacuation
    advisory, follow the evacuation route signs.

    Hurricane pronounced rotary circulation, constant wind speed of 74 mph or more.

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    Don't stop...
  • Tip Rating:
  • cobrioc
  • Updated By cobrioc on October 18, 2002
  • Destin Page by cobrioc
  • Destin Warnings or Dangers
    by cobrioc
    Derivers should take a few simple precautions that should prevent most problems. Don't stop for pick up anyone.
    Kep the doors locked when driving through unfamiliar areas.
    Lock all the doors and the trunk when you park the car and make sure that packages, cameras, and other valuables are out of sight.
    In the event of an accident, find a well-lit telephone booth-gas stations, stores, or dinners, are recommended and dial 911.

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    Bring the sunscreen
  • Tip Rating:
  • fa330
  • By fa330 on August 26, 2002
  • Destin Page by fa330
  • Destin Warnings or Dangers
    by fa330
    There is always the danger of sunburn. We always go to the beach in the morning and go shopping in the afternoon. I still manage to get slightly burned, though.(Darn Irish heritage!)

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    I do not know of any risks or...
  • Tip Rating:
  • SeaBreezeUSA
  • By SeaBreezeUSA on August 24, 2002
  • Destin Page by SeaBreezeUSA
  • I do not know of any risks or dangers, unless it is spending too much money or having too much fun. But be careful anyway. One word of caution: IT IS VERY EASY TO GET A BAD SUNBURN, ESPECIALLY ON CLOUDY DAYS!! BE CAREFUL AND USE SUNSCREEN.

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    Walmart
  • By Aliseeya on December 6, 2005
  • Destin Page by Aliseeya
  • DO NOT GO TO THE WALMART IN DESTIN UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. I'm sorry to shout, but I'm dead serious. The Walmart is an absolute nightmare. It is filled with throngs of half-clothed tourists, and dedicates about 1/3 of the total store area to cheap souvenirs.

    It is ALWAYS crowded, and at night (when it isn't crowded) it is so understaffed that you end up waiting in line anyways. The staff is very rude and has no working knowledge of Walmart. In addition, the customer service line is always extremely long and slow.

    If you need something, a Target is a wonderful alternative. It just opened in Destin, and is located at the intersection of Gulf Shore Dr and Hwy 98 (near Winn Dixie). You can't miss it. Not only is the store clean, but it is completely hassle free!

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    More Destin Tips
    Overview
     
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    Tourist Traps
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    Warnings or Dangers
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    Local Customs
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    Packing Lists
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    Sports Travel
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    General Tips
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    Flights
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