Want a cleaner Destin? Here’s how — Adopt!

Destin’s revived Adopt a Street program has found its first volunteer.

“We’ll be adopting Airport Road or Main Street from U.S. 98 to Airport,” City Councilor Jim Wood told The Log. “My wife has to figure out how much she wants to do because Airport is a lot more work.”

Paula Bounds at Destin’s Public Works Department said Wood is the first person to pick up an Adopt a Street packet since the city revived the program in April.

Adopt a Street volunteers, whether individuals or groups, will pick a road or segment of road in Destin and agree to go out and clean up litter at least four times a year for a two year period. The city will install a sign along the road segment with the volunteer or group’s name.

Acting Public Works Director Tim Pietenpol said the original Adopt a Street program, which ended in 2001, had stopped primarily because of a lack of interest from the public.

“I wouldn’t say it died,” Pietenpol said. “Maybe we should have promoted it a bit more. I think now that we’re redoing it, we’re going to renew some interest — with community participation, it ought to turn out pretty nice.”

Destin’s Youth Council proposed the city revive the Adopt a Street program as a way to control litter.

WANT TO ADOPT?
If you or your civic, business or religious organization are interested in knowing more about this program, or you want to receive a participation packet (contract & liability forms), please contact Paula Bounds in the City's Public Works Department at (850) 837-6869.
Volunteers younger than 18 must have one adult supervisor for every five children.