Code enforcement officers to visit Kenwood neighborhood as citywide cleanliness effort expands

Fort Walton Beach, Florida – As part of its ongoing “Cleanest City on the Emerald Coast” campaign, the City of Fort Walton Beach is gearing up for another round of its Community Code Compliance Sweeps. The next sweep will take place on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with city code enforcement officers focusing their efforts in the Kenwood neighborhood.

The sweep zone will cover an area from Merioneth Dr NE north to Windsor LN NE, stretching eastward to the water. This proactive approach aims to improve neighborhood appearance, foster civic pride, and maintain property values by addressing common code violations through community engagement and education.

Rather than immediately issuing citations, city officials emphasize the importance of first working with residents to raise awareness of existing code regulations. “The goal of this effort is to allow code enforcement officers to engage with the community, to raise awareness about local code requirements, and to encourage voluntary compliance before issuing any citations or fines,” officials stated.

Common Code Violations to Watch For

During these sweeps, officers will be on the lookout for several typical violations, including:

• Inoperable vehicles or vehicles parked on public roads for longer than 72 hours

• Overgrown grass or uncontrolled plant growth in yards

• Litter, junk, or debris left in residential yards

• Garbage cans left by the curb long after pickup

• Any unpermitted construction or property modifications

These efforts are not only about maintaining visual appeal but also ensuring that Fort Walton Beach remains a safe, clean, and welcoming place to live for everyone.

Regular Sweeps to Continue Citywide

The city plans to continue scheduling these community code sweeps every couple of weeks, focusing on different neighborhoods as part of the broader initiative. By rotating locations and working collaboratively with residents, the Code Enforcement team hopes to foster lasting improvements without immediately resorting to penalties.

City officials expressed appreciation for residents’ involvement, stating, “We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep Fort Walton Beach a clean, safe, and beautiful place to live.”

Residents in the Kenwood area are encouraged to inspect their properties ahead of the scheduled date and take steps to resolve any visible violations. For more information about the Cleanest City initiative or local code compliance guidelines, residents may contact the City of Fort Walton Beach Code Enforcement Office.