SPRING BREAKERS LET LOOSE AMID NATIONWIDE CRIME SPIKE, CURFEW ENACTED IN ONE POPULAR DESTINATION. What happened was unforeseen and is hard to control. 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. Regardless of who it is, go to your own town and trash your own town, quit trashingours. 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 . The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. EVENTS. 1. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The city had a dangerous weekend with. Panama City Beach 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-5100 ADA/EEO/Fair Housing Coordinator . NOTE: The VIP cards once purchased will not be mailed. Local law enforcement officials announced Monday that they confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people throughout the weekend. "And then they say it's not spring breakers,it's the 'hundred milers.' Don't pretend we live in a world where evil does not exist because time and time again, you see that it does.". ", 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. Mar. 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. The police will also actively search for suspects with any outstanding warrants. 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.. But, like most Panama City Beach residents,she's never experienced anything as chaotic as this pastweekend. . Published: Mar. "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. "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.". Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. 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. Panama City officials prepared for spring breakers, 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. "That's not just because we're scared of (those words). "I felt unsafe in a place that I have called home for many years and that is a horrible feeling. 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 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. For us, its a good thing because it scares the bazebras out of people like me, Bruyn said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Let's put that in perspective. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. News provided by. Panama City Beach is a resort town in Northwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Its a really pretty beach. And you know, we raise our families here. 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. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. 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. Panama City Beach is vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States.. 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 . There is no alcohol allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. "As I was walking through the crime scenes Sunday, all I could think about is 'This is not our beach. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. You must be 21 years of age to possess or drink alcohol. 0:04. Fox News Flash top headlines for March 27, prompting police to descend upon the area. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Before 2015, when the Panama City Beach City Council passed a series of ordinances designed to limit Spring Break madness, the city was known as the "Spring Break capital of the United States" and attracted tens of thousands of party-hungry tourists every year. 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.". Entrepreneur - Amanda Breen 1d. "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. 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. Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. 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. Three. 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. He said police investigations show this same group visited the area last year and gathered at Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill. Copyright 2023 WJHG. Mar. 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. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. It may be hard to believe for some . Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. Beach officials warn visitors of dangers ahead of Spring Break. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. College students gather in Panama City Beach, FL during spring break in March 2020. Panama City Beach in Florida makes for the most exciting spring break for being a unique party hub where people are promised to have the time of their life. 1:38 PANAMA CITY BEACH With the spring break season here, Daryl Paul says it's crucial for everyone to follow the beach flag warning system. Beach police were joined by multiple agencies for the two operations. "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. 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM. Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. You can cancel at any time. "We're like 20 minutes away from the ball field and it took us an hour to get there," 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. 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. The shooting suspect, 22-year-old David Jamichael Daniels, of Mobile, Alabama, was charged with seven counts of attempted . Here is how it works: Buy the Maniac VIP card based on your travel destination and receive over $500 in savings with: FREE CLUB COVER CHARGES, FREE & DISCOUNTED DRINKS, FREE CONCERTS, DISCOUNTS ON RESTAURANTS & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS! 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. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | 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.. Double red flags signify a ban on entry into the Gulf. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. ( WMBB) Massive crowds forced road closures and led many local businesses to close early on Panama City Beach over the weekend. Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. Panama City Beach spring break crime: Social media alerted police to pending madness Nathan Cobb The News Herald 0:04 1:33 PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. 02. Spring Break ordinances are in effect. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. "We prevented this specific group, these specific influencers from hosting these events in Panama City Beach,"Talamantez said. A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. It was nothing to do with Spring Break. Here's the scoop. To offer Spring Break events like never before, Southern Comfort will be living it up at Harpoon Harry's in Panama City Beach, . For emergencies, dial 911. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. Panama City Beach woman . Among those arrested in 2022 were 15 people involved with a riot at a PCB Walmart officials said was instigated by social media influencers. According to police, the event resulted in. There are 15 individuals that came to Panama City Beach and had so much fun here. We've seen when somebody calls something a takeover what can happen. "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.". "That's what this (was). PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hookerhas lived in Panama City Beachfor 12 years. We had a plan in place due to a large number of visitors over the weekend. MORE NEWS . PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Two shootings and massive crowds of spring . 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. 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. Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. Is our economy doing better or worse? One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same. "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. 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. We've seen in the past that there is a large criminal element in that category.". . 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. We don't need this.". Overnight scooter rentals are prohibited. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. 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. Panama City Beach Police warn visitors ahead of Spring Break season. Legal Statement. ", 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.". Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). ", 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. Dogs are only allowed at the designated Dog Beach west of the City Pier. 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. 26, 2022 at 8:51 PM PDT PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police. Seller, buyer, property location, total purchase price, date. 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. "We utilized the video that these criminals were circulating themselves, trying to broadcast and trying to broadcast themselves committing these crimes and trying to gain some type of social fame," Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said. "Close it down, close down spring break," Crockett said. "I see it getting worse because law enforcement can't keep up with the crowd," Crockett said. All rights reserved. "These are not college spring breakers," Ford said. Panama City Commissioners last year considered adopting the alcohol ordinance, but after speaking and working with local businesses they decided not to adopt it. In one reported incident, an Alabama man was shot in the foot. {{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. Published: Mar. During a Monday press conference, the police brass showed an assortment of seized weapons that ranged from pistols to shotguns tosemi-automatic rifles. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. But this year, Panama City Beach is a target for criminals. 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. Yes, I have. Panama City Beach Police don't mess around when it comes to rule-breakers. But it's not . Officials expect the largest crowds on March 23-27. "I would (come back here for vacation), but probably not like down to this area," Miller said. 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM PDT. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. 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. Everybody has to have a valid drivers license.. 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.. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. 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. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. 29, 2022 at 2:49 PM PDT COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - As Spring Break kicks into high gear with Muscogee County students out next week, could changes happen in Panama City. Chief Smith said they all might be separate agencies, but they can unify as one quickly. The company is informing customers ahead of spring break that unruly passengers could be hit with a $500 fine . George Santos Under Scrutiny CBS News App "Have upfront raw communication with children. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure spring break doesnt get out of hand again. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. Im just here for the sun and fun.. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. 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. Alabama vacationers Kenzie Hawkins and Bre Millerhad to transfer to another motel afterviolence near the first motel. 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. 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. 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. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. Some residents said they applaudlaw enforcement and government officials who have worked to get thelaw breakersoff the street. Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. All the suspects are from Alabama and range in age from 17 to 37. 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." 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 . PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - It's known as the spring break capital of the world. 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 The Panama City Police Department warned potential Spring Break visitors Wednesday that officers will enforce the city's law with zero tolerance during the. "I never expected this. "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 interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. 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.
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