We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. Although Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said he could notgo into detail on exactly how he and other law enforcementofficialsknew about the event, he said they learned about it through social media. How crime in Panama City Beach signaled the end of Spring Break Dogs are only allowed at the designated Dog Beach west of the City Pier. Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said, We are reminding locals and visitors alike. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Talamantez confirmed to MyPanhandle.com. See recent changes in local employment, regional inflation and more in these regularly updated charts and maps. For us, its a good thing because it scares the bazebras out of people like me, Bruyn said. This zero-tolerance policy includes a ban on underage drinking, traffic disruption, loud music, and pop-up parties in businesses or empty lots. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . "They were trying to have sex with children. PANAMA CITY BEACH The Panama City Police Department warned potential Spring Break visitors Wednesday that officers will enforce the citys law with zero tolerance during the upcoming season. Market data provided by Factset. But, like most Panama City Beach residents,she's never experienced anything as chaotic as this pastweekend. Beach officials warn visitors of dangers ahead of Spring Break. I'd look at these condos that are right across the street from me, and I'd think 'There's families in there who have never been here before. If they see something that is not right, say something. Panama City officials prepared for spring breakers 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. The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. ", 'What justice looks like in Bay County': 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, 'Close down spring break': Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos. Use the buddy system and never leave your friends. 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. Their sole intention is to break the law andcause havoc. 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. Spring break 2022: 161 arrested, 75 guns seized in Panama City Beach Spring Break Is Already Getting Wild in Miami, Panama City, South Padre Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Beach police have been patrolling the area and say the. This is not our community.' On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Panama City's Spring Break CATASTROPHE - YouTube "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.". Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. We've been there and done that. "Have upfront raw communication with children. Regardless of who it is, go to your own town and trash your own town, quit trashingours. In one reported incident, an Alabama man was shot in the foot. It may be hard to believe for some . This pushed the "unsanctioned, unregulated and unpermitted special event" into Panama City, where it was held at Vibez. One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. General, Fire & Police Pension Boards Meeting. Tourism officials expecting to break revenue records this Spring Break Police may also temporarily close the beaches if things get out of hand. Southern Comfort Mar 02, 2023, 08:30 ET . Spring breakers 'not taking anything over': WCSO addresses concerns Seller, buyer, property location, total purchase price, date. 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. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. "We went ahead and fed the people who were already in the restaurant, and then we started calling everybody who had later reservations and told them we (needed) to close for safety concerns,"Trepanier said. Walmart had closed down and it was just, it was a mess.". All rights reserved. It was a chaotic scene this weekend in Panama City as spring break crowds recklessly stormed the beaches and bars. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. This is what they think our beach is. 08. All rights reserved (About Us). Florida's beaches and bars are already seeing the first throngs of college students on break, crowding beaches and bars - and worrying public health experts around the country who see the weeks. I still can't wrap my head around it," Hooker said. PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB) Panama City Beach is expecting a big boom in business with spring breakers and tourists soon coming to Bay County. Panama City Commissioners last year considered adopting the alcohol ordinance, but after speaking and working with local businesses they decided not to adopt it. 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 . For emergencies, dial 911. Those huge crowds caused roads to be shut down in Panama City Beach. Rogue Wave was amulti-agency operation involvingthe 14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, the Bay County Sheriff's Office, the Panama City Police Department, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the U.S. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. Talamantez and other PCB officials are determined to avoid a repeat of last years spring break, when more than 160 people were arrested and some 75 weapons were confiscated. Panama City Beach Council members on Thursday unanimously approved an . 2023 www.newsherald.com. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 26, 2022 at 8:51 PM PDT PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police. According to the department, they are working with the Bay County Sheriffs Office, Lynn Haven Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol, Panama City Police Department along with other surrounding agencies. PCBPD releases statement on spring break crowds - WJHG Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! You can cancel at any time. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. Those arrested for violating any of the above City ordinances will serve a minimum of one night in jail, with the potential to serve up to 60 days and pay a fine of up to $500. A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. And you know, we raise our families here. Mar. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. But it's not . That is what the businesses are committed to doing this year. Police added, The following are some of the ordinances that will be strictly enforced: The PCB Police Department would also like to offer some general safety tips for your personal safety. Panama City Beach Spring Break Resorts - Tripadvisor "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," the statement reportedly said. PANAMA CITY BEACH Law enforcement officials say more than three dozen suspects have been taken off the streets in connection with a spring break riot at a Beach Walmart and a. "And then afterwards, it took us over an hour to get home because all the roads were closed down. Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. I expect a lot of partying and a lot of people having fun and things like that, but didn't expect the level of like vandalism and violence involved.". PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Two shootings and massive crowds of spring breakers have pushed the city of Miami Beach to declare a state of emergency. We "were driving down the road and there were these people getting pulled over and they were unloading an AR and everything," Hawkins said. "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Two shootings and massive crowds of spring . Its a really pretty beach. Panama City Beach is limiting the number of people who may gather together on the sand during spring break. Published: Mar. MONTGOMERY Kenneth Glasgow, a Dothan pastor and founder of the Christian-based nonprofit The Ordinary People Society, pleaded guilty Friday . PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (AP) Authorities in Panama City Beach said 75 guns were seized and 161 people were arrested during a rowdy Spring Break weekend. All rights reserved. A spring break party in the Florida Panhandle turned violent early Saturday after seven people, including at least three college students, were shot at a Panama City Beach house, officials said . Florida spring breakers carry on in Panama City, far away - Fox News [4K] Panama City Beach, Florida USA - Spring Break Walking Tour Vlog Law enforcement and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. Panama City Beach leaders reminded the public Wednesday that the "Spring Break" laws have begun and will be "strictly enforced." For more News, Weather, and . Panama City Beach, Florida, has long been deemed a mecca for spring breakers due to its dazzling 27 miles of soft, sugar-sand beaches, bountiful waterfront bars, and premier theme parties. PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. We decided to try to invite them back.". "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. While the pastweekend's trouble makers were not traditional spring breakers, Ford noted that they were similar to what officials have referred to as the "hundred-milers." Everybody is positive.. Law enforcement officials have detained over 160 people in Panama City Beach following a spring break weekend that saw massive crowds of people disrupting the area, officials said. Talamantez said they are still investigating the case and looking for additional suspects. 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. ", 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. For the month of March, no drinking on the beach?. Editor's note: The location of Sunday's shooting has been updated to more accurately pinpoint where it occurred. Bluegreen's Bayside Resort and Spa. 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. Spring Break. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Panama City Beach's 'Alabama invasion': Alcohol rules targeted to "These are not college spring breakers," Ford said. Panama City Beach, Florida is considered the "Spring Break Capital Of The World" as it is the number one choice for students wanting the ultimate Spring Break experience. "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. Period," Talamantez said. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS CARRY ON IN PANAMA CITY, FAR AWAY FROM TROUBLES IN MIAMI BEACH. Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same rules dont apply. 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. In addition, the consumption of alcohol on the sand beach is prohibited at any time for the duration of March. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City Beach police are holding a news conference about the ongoing situation on the beach. Spring breakers let loose amid nationwide crime spike - Fox News #1 Best Value of 12 Spring Break Resorts in Panama City Beach. Panama City Beach Spring Break laws in effect - YouTube It was at that time the parking lotof the Shoppes at Edgewater was "so jammed full of these idiots," he said. 4 min read PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say while they knew weeks in advance that a potentially dangerous. "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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. A slew of rules are enforced throughout the entire month of March. "That's the part that's disheartening," Sheldon said of tourists who now might not want to come back. There was an agreement that hey we are responsible for enforcing what we need to enforce on our property and with ever activities happen on our property, Panama City Commissioner Josh Street said. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. 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. What's New in Panama City Beach in 2023? | TravelPulse PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. "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. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. . "As I was walking through the crime scenes Sunday, all I could think about is 'This is not our beach. Spring Break Panama City Beach - Your 2023 In-Depth Guide (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! 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. WATCH: Crowds go crazy in Panama City Beach - YouTube "I remember, well, I was mainly at home, but I passed one time while I was heading to the grocery store and it was very chaotic and truly something I've never seen before,"Campbell said. Florida officials confiscate 75 guns amid spring break surge - CBS News 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. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. 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. Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. Marshals Service. It then remained open on Sunday. Panama City Beach's spring break rules go into effect Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. Is our economy doing better or worse? 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.. Panama City Beach's police chief admonished the crowds gathered for spring break after a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot on Sunday. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. Talamantez said the business owner will get back to him this week about the event. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. And we're gonna come kick your door in," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. PANAMA CITY BEACH Restaurant owner DaveTrepanier, 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, which once was known for the tens of thousands of party-crazed touristsit attracted every year during Spring Break. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. Spring break chaos: Panama City Beach businesses close due to crime The business then tried have normal business hours on Sunday, but with crowds still raging andportions of Front Beach Road closed, access to the restaurant was limited. ", According to Panama City Police Department Chief Mark Smith, the visitors toBay County whocaused the weekend'schaos were not traditional spring breakers, but "true criminals.". 1. Officials expect the largest crowds on March 23-27. The Russell Fields City Pier has been designated as a nosmoking zone on both sides. 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. As well as they are going to work diligently with the police department and the fire department to maintain their numbers within the inside and handle their own internal security.. "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. Law enforcement officials in Bay County . Unfortunately, you cant ban people from coming here and you never know the type of people who choose to vacation here," Hooker said. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. EVENTS. "We saw a 15.6% increase in March of . Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. Crockett said in her 16 years of living in the area, this is one of the most dangerous spring breaks she's seen. This 84-room, 4-story hotel is located on Panama City Beach Parkway, centrally located to the area's beaches, Conservation Park and Pier Park. "You can rest assured that if you're chatting with an underage person inBay County for the purposes of having sex, you're probably chatting with one of us and if you download child pornography, we're going to know about it. Trepanier said hedecided to wrap up for the night at about 5:30 p.m. "There was really no way to get to us, other than by foot," he said. You have permission to edit this article. 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.. Double red flags signify a ban on entry into the Gulf. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. Mar. At a press conference on Monday, law. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. Alabama vacationers Kenzie Hawkins and Bre Millerhad to transfer to another motel afterviolence near the first motel. Our local law enforcement did the best they could, giving the hand they were dealt and I, for one, commend them for doing so.". Its all in an effort to keep the community safe. With the help ofinformation gathered online, they were able to locate ongoing crimes through the Bay Real Time Operations Center, a new division that accesses and utilizes live feeds from traffic lights and security cameras throughout the county. Panama City Beachs spring break rules go into effect. In Panama City Beach, there are several spring break laws in place that started on March 1 and end on March 31. 02. Panama City Beach spring break crime: Social media alerted police to Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Hatteras Beach, North Carolina, which has . 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. Panama City Beach reminds beachgoers to follow flag - newsherald.com Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Panama City Beach, FL. Flash mobs, riots and 21 illegal guns: BCSO, PCB PD deploy 'every Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. Many of those arrested were from Alabama.Panama City Beach Police Department, In the wake of what officials termed a lawless spring break in 2022, Panama City Beach adopted a series of so-called spring break laws.. 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. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. Spring breakers bring chaos to PCB: One injured in Front Beach shooting Panama City Beach is vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States.. Officers have closed down portions of the road near the intersection of Front Beach Road and Hutchison Boulevard by Walmart and are detouring traffic at this time. All rights reserved. Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Panama City spring break 2023. The city had a dangerous weekend with. Market data provided by Factset. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. "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.". Here's the scoop. Tropic Like It's Hot at Some of Mexico and Florida's Hottest Clubs This Law enforcement officials said the arrests send a strong message to anyone coming to Panama City Beach with ill intentions. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Panama City Beach prepares for spring break crowd The battle over Spring Break had been building for years as then-Sheriff Frank McKeithen, some local residents and others tried to. 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. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. 78 from Alabama arrested as Panama City Beach grapples with disorder 161 arrested during rowdy Spring Break weekend in Panama City Beach 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. "Close it down, close down spring break," Crockett said. Panama City Spring Break: Is It Worth It? - TheTravel All the suspects are from Alabama and range in age from 17 to 37. "That's not just because we're scared of (those words). PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. Law enforcement agencies arrested more than 160 people and confiscated dozens of guns last weekend as revelers flocked to Florida's Panama City Beach for spring break .