Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "I've been here when Spring Break was a bunch of good college kids (who) got a little crazy, but there weren't any guns and there wasn't any violence, and then we had those several bad years (where there was) that real bad element of people coming here who weren't spring breakers, but people looking to prey on spring breakers," he said. General, Fire & Police Pension Boards Meeting. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. Is our economy doing better or worse? (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. We've been there and done that. Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. Panama City Beach. Panama City Beach Council members on Thursday unanimously approved an . "It has, without a doubt, been bad in the past, but for the first timelocals felt the need to shut down their businesses, which I think says a lot about how out of control this situation truly is," said Hooker, a gift shop manager. By Katie Bente. In a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Chief J.R. Talamantez of the Panama City Beach Police Department, Chief Mark Smith of the Panama City Police Department . "These are not college spring breakers," Ford said. Panama City man charged with DUI after hitting SRO with car, Judge sets bond for 76-year-old woman accused of killing terminally ill husband, Man facing more charges after arrest on active warrants in Jackson County, Chipley falls in title game, South Walton beats Walton on the baseball diamond, Arnold falls on softball diamond. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Local bars and nightclubs working with law enforcement for Spring Break As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. "I feel like (law enforcement)haven't handled it too great because there's been like a lot of people getting shot and places getting vandalized," Vanzuela said. 26, 2022 at 8:51 PM PDT PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! All rights reserved. Panama City Beach Spring Break Resorts - Tripadvisor You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. "The sad thing about it was we had people who had prom reservations birthday reservations (and) anniversary reservations that we had to cancel just because of the lunacy that was going on.". 75 guns seized from Panama City Beach Spring Breakers during - WEAR Local law enforcement addresses violent weekend in Panama City Beach "I never expected this. Chief Smith said they all might be separate agencies, but they can unify as one quickly. As beach safety director for Panama. WATCH: Crowds go crazy in Panama City Beach - YouTube Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. Legal Statement. Florida spring breakers carry on in Panama City, far away - Fox News Crowds remained on the sidewalks, while vehicular traffic was also heavy, he reportedly said. "This is a perfect place away from the spring break crowd!". Spring breakers let loose amid nationwide crime spike - Fox News You must be 21 years of age to possess or drink alcohol. 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM PDT. Law enforcement and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. Published: Mar. Here's the scoop. PCBPD releases statement on spring break crowds, Panama City man charged with DUI after hitting SRO with car, Judge sets bond for 76-year-old woman accused of killing terminally ill husband, Man facing more charges after arrest on active warrants in Jackson County, Chipley falls in title game, South Walton beats Walton on the baseball diamond, Arnold falls on softball diamond. What's New in Panama City Beach in 2023? | TravelPulse In response to the many circulating social media posts that. Among the spring break laws now in effect include a prohibition on the sale of alcohol from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City Beach leaders reminded the public Wednesday that the Spring Break laws have begun and will be strictly enforced., Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our residents and visitors, said Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R Talamantez. In the five-day sting from May 18 to22, police said 13 people were charged withtraveling to meet a child for sexual activity,six were charged with possessing and/or disturbing child pornography,one was charged with felony drug and weapons charges, and one was arrested on a sexual battery charge out of Alabama. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Spring break is just around the corner, and that means so are the spring break laws. Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. The consumption or possession of alcohol is not allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. We had a plan in place due to a large number of visitors over the weekend. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police Department told NewsChannel 7 they are continuing to deal with large crowds of spring breakers. Our local law enforcement did the best they could, giving the hand they were dealt and I, for one, commend them for doing so.". I feel like we are far better prepared going into this spring break than we have been in the past, Panama City Police Chief Mark Smith said. Southern Comfort Mar 02, 2023, 08:30 ET . If they see something that is not right, say something. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - It's known as the spring break capital of the world. Alabama 'criminals' went to 'create havoc' at Panama City Beach, mayor About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . "These individuals jumped at the opportunity to try to have sex with a kid; 24 in this small beach town were taken into custody," Talamantez said. Among those arrested in 2022 were 15 people involved with a riot at a PCB Walmart officials said was instigated by social media influencers. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly - wjhg.com Anyone who is caught in possession. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. "We want people to come to our community and enjoy our beaches and the many opportunities that we offer for recreation, but we do not want people to come here and think that they're going to terrorize our community like they may terrorize their communities back home," State Attorney Larry Basford said. [4K] Panama City Beach, Florida USA - Spring Break Walking Tour Vlog "And then after that, my friend texted me, 'There's been a shooting,' and the road was closed down and then there's been another shooting. Spring break rules begin March 1st in Panama City Beach PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB) Panama City does not change any of its laws for Spring Break, but that doesn't mean local authorities aren't preparing. All rights reserved. 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Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. ", Law enforcement responds to latest spring break violence in PCB, Law enforcement responds to shooting and latest spring break problems in Panama City Beach, 160 people arrested, 75 guns seized during chaotic PCB spring break weekend, Panama City Beach businesses shut doors amid spring break chaos, Man shot in the foot, over 50 guns seized amid spring break in Panama City Beach, Shooting in heart of spring break area prompts heavy police response, BCSO, PCB PD deploy 'every available resource' Saturday, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Yes, I have. Florida law enforcement officials say they arrested 78 people from Alabama in Panama City Beach, Fla., over the weekend and confiscated 75 guns as spring break revelry devolved into chaos. Talamantez said it is important for parents and teachers to monitor their children online and to have a talk with them about the dangers of online predators. We were seeing (them) with rifles in backpacks.". "When your customers can't get to you because the roads are blocked off because there's a crime scene, there's not a whole heck of a lot you can do.". Dont come here as a criminal and leave here and find yourself in the bay county jail or go home on probation and come back here and answer to the court system, Chief Smith said. "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. From last years season, Robert Santrell Petty, 18, of Ozark, and Danyell Demetrice Reese, 26, of Headland, have outstanding arrest warrants in the coastal city. We've seen in the past that there is a large criminal element in that category.". Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. Alabama vacationers Kenzie Hawkins and Bre Millerhad to transfer to another motel afterviolence near the first motel. Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. The cruise line's updated contract follows a spate of unruly guest behavior across the tourism industry. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. "But don't put your head in the sand. Panama City Beach residents outraged over spring break crime, violence However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. "In the midst of thousands of people running through the boardwalk, we also had customers who were sitting down and enjoying their dinner," Hooker said. (Fox News Digital/Joshua Comins) The city is also prohibiting the sale of alcohol at liquor and beer stores after 6 p.m. until March 27. College students gather in Panama City Beach, FL during spring break in March 2020. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Dogs are only allowed at the designated Dog Beach west of the City Pier. We have approximately 100 officers from our agency, the Bay County Sheriffs Office, Lynn Haven Police Department, Panama City Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol along with other surrounding agencies, to provide service to our residents, visitors, and businesses. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. Other City ordinances which will be strictly enforced, according to the City, include: Talamantez said Panama City Beach police are patrolling all beach areas, assisted by PCB Code Enforcement and Beach Safety personnel. "That's what this (was). Regardless of who it is, go to your own town and trash your own town, quit trashingours. If you see something, say something, if you see something that might indicate that somebody has those types of tendenciesand those interests that involve some type of sexual interest in children, we need to know about it. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. All rights reserved. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. I have been meeting with the business owners of those late-night establishments and have been establishing some agreements with them that if it gets too bad that they are willing to close early, Chief Smith said. She's seen some calm spring breaks and some crazy ones. George Santos Under Scrutiny CBS News App Hawkins and Miller said they were nervous learning about all the events that were happening, scared they would get kidnapped with all the people running around at night. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. It may be hard to believe for some . The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. MORE NEWS . SPRING BREAKERS LET LOOSE AMID NATIONWIDE CRIME SPIKE, CURFEW ENACTED IN ONE POPULAR DESTINATION. "In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hookerhas lived in Panama City Beachfor 12 years. Florida deputies arrest over 160 in Panama City Beach during 'dangerous "They're coming from the regional area. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones. 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, One injured in Front Beach Roadshooting, over 50 guns seized, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. Alcohol sales are not permitted after 2 a.m. and until 7 a.m. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. Kyle Volkov, owner of Axe Throwing PCB, which also is in the Shoppes at Edgewater plaza, said he decided to close his businesson Saturday night as well. Vibez . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Overnight scooter rentals are prohibited. "With Panama City to Gulf Shores banning drinking on the beach in March and being anti-college spring break, South Padre Island is BOOMING," the website, which charges $65 for a "Party . Enter dates to see prices. "One of the preparations that we did is we spoke to a business owner and local community about the certain act that he wants to bring to town," Talamantez said. The company is informing customers ahead of spring break that unruly passengers could be hit with a $500 fine . According to police, the event resulted in. Ive seen the police break them up a few times, Bruyn said. Panama City Beach is limiting the number of people who may gather together on the sand during spring break. Spring breakers bring chaos to PCB: One injured in Front Beach shooting Where to stay and what to explore during Spring Break in Panama City Beach PANAMA CITY BEACH Restaurant owner Dave Trepanier, who has lived in Bay County for the past 15 years, described this weekend as "a glimpse into the bad past" of Panama City Beach,. Florida spring break revelers crowded parts of Panama City Beach on Saturday night, prompting police to descend upon the area and causing several businesses to close for the day, according to a local report. PANAMA CITY BEACH An influx of crime this weekend during spring break in Panama City Beach led to more than 160 arrests in Bay County. "That's not just because we're scared of (those words). Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. Im just here for the sun and fun.. ", Sunday's shooting: Man shot in the foot, over 50 guns seized amid spring break in Panama City Beach, Scenes from the chaos:Shooting in heart of spring break area prompts heavy police response, Flash mobs, riots and 21 illegal guns: BCSO, PCB PD deploy 'every available resource' Saturday. Published: Mar. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history and is now also a larger-than-life entertainer! Panama City Beach sets spring break rules amid COVID-19 pandemic - WTVM And multiple businesses, including a Walmart store on Front Beach Road, shuttered early on Saturday, MyPanhandle.com reported. For us, its a good thing because it scares the bazebras out of people like me, Bruyn said. But, like most Panama City Beach. Spring break in Panama City Beach: PCB much tamer, but police still battling Spring Break beach booze. PCB Mayor: Same criminals behind Miami spring break crime - Fox News Funded by Bay Point Advisors, LLC, this brand-new Comfort . PANAMA CITY, Fla. - With Miami Beach enforcing a strict curfew to curb a spike in spring break violence in one of the final weeks of the season, Panama City and other Florida beach. #1 Best Value of 12 Spring Break Resorts in Panama City Beach. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. He said police investigations show this same group visited the area last year and gathered at Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill. . Show prices. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - Rowdy spring break crowds have forced curfews and led some establishments to close their doors from Miami Beach to Florida 's Panhandle. It was nothing to do with Spring Break. "We saw this specific group attempting to come down to Panama City Beach, and we identified that they were looking for locations (to gather) all over the Beach.". "And then afterwards, it took us over an hour to get home because all the roads were closed down. Officers from the Panama City Beach Police Department closed a two-mile stretch of Front Beach Road as of about 9 p.m. Saturday, as spring break crowds flooded the area, Chief J.R.. It's not just residents who are concerned. These are criminals who came to our town to be lawless and create havoc, Sheldon said at the time, adding that we saw a lot of folks from Montgomery and Birmingham who came down to just create trouble.. Is that right? Bruyn said. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. "We're like 20 minutes away from the ball field and it took us an hour to get there," Crockett said. Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. Panama City Beach, Fla. (WMBB) With Spring Break getting into gear, traveling families and tourists are searching for the best place where they can get the most out of the World's Most . A criminal record that will follow you beyond Spring Break. Everybody is positive.. Unfortunately, you cant ban people from coming here and you never know the type of people who choose to vacation here," Hooker said. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say while they knew weeks in advance that a potentially dangerous event was planned for this past weekend in Panama City Beach, they cannot control who visits the area. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. LikeTrepanier,Volkov said the weekend wasa reminder on why PCB officials have worked tirelessly during the past decade to rebrand the area into a family-friendly destination, and not a hotspot for lawless and rowdy tourists. Panama City Beach ranked 10th cheapest beach destination in U.S. to With 27 miles of sugar white beaches, this destination gem boasts some of the very best in nightlife, events, and hotel accommodations that will fit within any budget. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Law enforcement officials said the arrests send a strong message to anyone coming to Panama City Beach with ill intentions. "It's not the right direction to move," Volkov said of the past weekend. Petty is wanted for carrying a concealed firearm; Reese is wanted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed firearm, and resisting without violence. We "were driving down the road and there were these people getting pulled over and they were unloading an AR and everything," Hawkins said. If they are still wanting to continue their party atmosphere, they come over to the Panama City side to the adult establishments which are open for the extra two hours, Chief Smith said. She was taking her 4-year-old son to his baseball game when she was ran into a huge traffic jam caused by people fleeing and police being forced to shut down roads to contain the chaos. MONTGOMERY Kenneth Glasgow, a Dothan pastor and founder of the Christian-based nonprofit The Ordinary People Society, pleaded guilty Friday . For the month of March, no drinking on the beach?. ", 'What justice looks like in Bay County':160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, Chaos inPCB:One injured in Front Beach Roadshooting, over 50 guns seized. PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate tourists who bring crime to the Beach.. What happened was unforeseen and is hard to control. Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our residents and visitors, said Panama City Beach police chief J.R. Talamantez in a statement. Talamantez and Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon also said that one of the things they are most frustrated about is that this weekend might have scared off first-time visitors who do not know how hard officials have worked during the past decade to rebrand the area into a family-friendly destination. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. Panama City businesses expect big boom from Spring Break crowds Copyright 2023 WJHG. Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. Panama City Beach Police Department officials released the following statement to NewsChannel 7. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same. Spring Break 2021 in Panama City Beach As she stood with her friends on the beach on March 25 near the Russell-Fields Pier, with double-red flags flying overhead and a gusty sea breeze. Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. Panama City Beach Spring Break Panama City Beach Police warn visitors ahead of Spring Break season A slew of rules are enforced throughout the entire month of March. Legal Statement. These are people who are not affiliated with any college and come to the area within driving distances. Ford, along with Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez, said because they cannot prevent who visits the area, it will be up to local businesses to help law enforcement curbany future outbreaks similar to the chaos of this past weekend. Published March 1, 2021 at 8:52 AM EST. The News Herald. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. The shooting suspect, 22-year-old David Jamichael Daniels, of Mobile, Alabama, was charged with seven counts of attempted . Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Geneva County coach Holmes juggling new son and leading Lady Dawgs to state tournament, Dothan native, former Auburn star Blake Burkhalter of Atlanta Braves to have Tommy John surgery, Dothan physician, daughter killed in single-vehicle crash near Barbour County line, Dothan Wolves fall to Hoover in Class 7A basketball semifinals, Elba girls battle with grit, but fall short against Marion County in 1A state semifinals, 14 charts that show how the economy is performing in Alabama, George Scott named head coach for Enterprise State Lady Weevils basketball, PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Draper strikes out 16 to spark Carroll win, SATURDAY PREP BASEBALL: Dothan rallies past Houston Academy, PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Steed's double helps Ariton defeat Opp, Dothan Wolves not worried about underdog label going against Hoover, PREP SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: McCarthys run-scoring hit gives Dothan victory, Houston County real estate transfers Feb. 21-Feb. 23, 2023. However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. Spring Break ordinances are in effect. Double red flags signify a ban on entry into the Gulf. Local officials react to spring break chaos - WJHG