"I never expected this. Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. Law enforcement and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. Beach officials warn visitors of dangers ahead of Spring Break. 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. It was at that time the parking lotof the Shoppes at Edgewater was "so jammed full of these idiots," he said. 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM PDT. 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. 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. Up to a $500 fine or imprisonment in the County Jail up to 60 days. 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. Is that right? Bruyn said. Local law enforcement officials announced Monday that they confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people throughout the weekend. 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. We encourage our residents to call our police dispatch if they need anything and to remember we are here as a city to protect everyone.. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of . She's seen some calm spring breaks and some crazy ones. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. 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 . 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). One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. For example, the sale of alcohol is allowed past 2 a.m. in Panama City, whereas in PCB it is not. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We "were driving down the road and there were these people getting pulled over and they were unloading an AR and everything," Hawkins said. 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. 08. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. Regardless, residents can agree on one thing:They never want to experience this nightmare again. Don't pretend we live in a world where evil does not exist because time and time again, you see that it does.". All rights reserved. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. "They're coming from the regional area. Spring Break. Seller, buyer, property location, total purchase price, date. We've seen when somebody calls something a takeover what can happen. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. 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. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. 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. Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. 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." 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. {{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. Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. Panama City Beach resident Franis Vanzuelasaid she wants to see more places closedown, so the spring breakers can leave. 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. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said, We are reminding locals and visitors alike. "In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. Mar. We've been there and done that. Arrest and at least one night in the County Jail. Spring Break ordinances are in effect. 26, 2022 at 8:51 PM PDT PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police. Legal Statement. 0:04. 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. "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. "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 . 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. 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. During a Monday press conference, the police brass showed an assortment of seized weapons that ranged from pistols to shotguns tosemi-automatic rifles. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history and is now also a larger-than-life entertainer! The News Herald. 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.. It then remained open on Sunday. 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. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. TheBeach experienced an onslaughtof what are being dubbed "true criminals" onFriday evening,complete with a shooting, crowdsand even a stampede at the Walmart at the intersection of Front Beach and Middle Beach roads. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. You must be 21 years of age to possess or drink alcohol. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. Everybody is positive.. He said police investigations show this same group visited the area last year and gathered at Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill. College students gather in Panama City Beach, FL during spring break in March 2020. 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. Ocean City Beach, Maryland, which has free parking, $7.97 sunscreen, $2.08 sodas, $64.18 accommodations and a total nightly price per person of $77.23. Legal Statement. 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. PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB) Panama City Beach is expecting a big boom in business with spring breakers and tourists soon coming to Bay County. Talamantez said they are still investigating the case and looking for additional suspects. "We saw a 15.6% increase in March of . "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. We are a small blip on a big map and we were still able to arrest 24 people and put them in custody for these offenses.". Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. Talamantez noted that once his department learned about the "Panamaniac take over event," officers began warning local business owners. "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. Spring break in Panama City Beach: PCB much tamer, but police still battling Spring Break beach booze. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Two shootings and massive crowds of spring . PANAMA CITY BEACH The Panama City Police Department warned potential Spring Break visitors Wednesday that officers will enforce the city's law with zero tolerance during the. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". The riot took place during a chaoticspring break weekend, where officers with the Beach Police Department, Panama City Police Department, Bay County Sheriff's Officeand Florida Highway Patrol confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. Ive seen the police break them up a few times, Bruyn said. "We utilized that video to help identify them. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. PANAMA CITY BEACH Law enforcement officials saymore than three dozen suspects have been taken off the streets in connection witha spring break riot at a BeachWalmart and a child-sex sting earlier this week. NewsBreak provides latest and breaking Panama City Beach, FL local news, weather forecast, crime and safety reports, traffic updates, event notices, sports, entertainment, local life and other items of interest in the community and nearby towns. 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. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Published: Mar. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. You can cancel at any time. All rights reserved. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. But it's not . We are a family-friendly destination and we want everyone to be safe.. 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. The cruise line's updated contract follows a spate of unruly guest behavior across the tourism industry. According to police, the event resulted in. "I felt unsafe in a place that I have called home for many years and that is a horrible feeling. During a chaotic Saturday night and Sunday evening, officers with the Beach Police Department, Panama City Police Department, Bay County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people. Officials expect the largest crowds on March 23-27. 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. 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. 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. On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. And multiple businesses, including a Walmart store on Front Beach Road, shuttered early on Saturday, MyPanhandle.com reported. 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. Its all in an effort to keep the community safe. Panama City Beach Police don't mess around when it comes to rule-breakers. Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. Talamantez added that law enforcement officialswanted to get ahead of any issues beforethe Memorial Day weekend, saying they already have detected a potential issuefrom a local business owner. He also said that while crime was rampant during the past weekend, things could have been a lot worse if it would not have been for the seamless teamwork of all local law enforcement agencies. We had a plan in place due to a large number of visitors over the weekend. FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS CARRY ON IN PANAMA CITY, FAR AWAY FROM TROUBLES IN MIAMI BEACH. Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. All rights reserved. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. . "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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. The nightly cutoff is normally 4 a.m. 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. "Honestly, I was blown away. For emergencies, dial 911. While half of those arrested during spring break 2022 were Alabama residents, Panama City Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon suggested much of the lawbreaking came from people other than visiting college students. "We're like 20 minutes away from the ball field and it took us an hour to get there," Crockett said. Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. Between Saturday and Sunday, 75 illegal guns were confiscated and more than 160 people were arrested in Bay County about half of whom were from Alabama. According to PCBPD officials, rioters overturned shopping carts, raked items off store shelves, intimidated other shoppers and employees, and destroyed various areas of the store. All rights reserved. Please subscribe to keep reading. All the suspects are from Alabama and range in age from 17 to 37. And we're gonna come kick your door in," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. Overnight scooter rentals are prohibited. Panama City Beach woman . YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. See recent changes in local employment, regional inflation and more in these regularly updated charts and maps. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH A portion of the beach will once again be closed overnight this spring. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. Talamantez said the business owner will get back to him this week about the event. "That's the part that's disheartening," Sheldon said of tourists who now might not want to come back. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. 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. 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. 02. A criminal record that will follow you beyond Spring Break. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. In response to the many circulating social media posts that. Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. Market data provided by Factset. Three. Glasgow pleads guilty to federal tax evasion, mail fraud, and drug charges, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities. The company is informing customers ahead of spring break that unruly passengers could be hit with a $500 fine . This is what they think our beach is. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Panama City Beach has the following accommodations new and newly renovated for 2023: Comfort Inn & Suites - Now Open. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. ", 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. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. It's not just residents who are concerned. Panama City Beach expected a large crowd this weekend. All rights reserved. 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.. "What . If they see something that is not right, say something. News provided by. "Well , my husband scheduled several trips to new properties Bluegreen has purchased. "I see it getting worse because law enforcement can't keep up with the crowd," Crockett said. Metal shovels and holes deeper than two feet are not permitted on the beach. Panama City Beach, FL. "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. This pushed the "unsanctioned, unregulated and unpermitted special event" into Panama City, where it was held at Vibez. Alcohol sales will also stop at 2 a.m. during the entire month of March. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. A Dothan man has been arrested and charged with one count of rape. 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. Some residents said they applaudlaw enforcement and government officials who have worked to get thelaw breakersoff the street. At a press conference on Monday, law. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital). Marshals Service. 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. 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.". "We prevented this specific group, these specific influencers from hosting these events in Panama City Beach,"Talamantez said. Trepanier noted that at about 7 p.m. Saturday, local law enforcement officials asked him to consider closing early so they could close portions of surrounding roads and redirect traffic out of the area. "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. Those huge crowds caused roads to be shut down in Panama City Beach. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. 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. Its a really pretty beach. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. 5:14 MIRAMAR BEACH Gunfire erupted in Panama City Beach over the weekend, injuring one and causing concern among Panhandle residents as large crowds of spring breakers continue to flock. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. General, Fire & Police Pension Boards Meeting. In one reported incident, an Alabama man was shot in the foot. And you know, we raise our families here. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. 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. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Copyright 2022 WJHG. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. 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. "Close it down, close down spring break," Crockett said. At Panama City Beach, no alcohol is allowed on beaches, bars will close at 2 a.m., rather than 4 a.m., and special events will have no more than 125 people. "Have upfront raw communication with children. In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. or redistributed. In Panama City Beach, there are several spring break laws in place that started on March 1 and end on March 31. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City Beach police are holding a news conference about the ongoing situation on the beach. Beach police have been patrolling the area and say the. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. ", '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 leaders reminded the public Wednesday that the "Spring Break" laws have begun and will be "strictly enforced." For more News, Weather, and . Hooker said she had to lock her gift shop'sdoors to keep everyone out. ", 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.". Chief Talamantez wants visitors to have a good time but also abide by the following restrictions: Climbing, jumping off, or throwing anything from balconies is illegal. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - It's known as the spring break capital of the world.