Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. All rights reserved. MONTGOMERY Kenneth Glasgow, a Dothan pastor and founder of the Christian-based nonprofit The Ordinary People Society, pleaded guilty Friday . "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. In response to the many circulating social media posts that. 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. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . "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 . Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "I see it getting worse because law enforcement can't keep up with the crowd," Crockett said. 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. Overnight scooter rentals are prohibited. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - It's known as the spring break capital of the world. Panama City Beach 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-5100 ADA/EEO/Fair Housing Coordinator . However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. 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! "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. 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. Legal Statement. SPRING BREAKERS LET LOOSE AMID NATIONWIDE CRIME SPIKE, CURFEW ENACTED IN ONE POPULAR DESTINATION. A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. That is what the businesses are committed to doing this year. 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.. Beach officials warn visitors of dangers ahead of Spring Break. 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). Hooker said she had to lock her gift shop'sdoors to keep everyone out. "These people dont follow rules or laws. 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 . "That's the part that's disheartening," Sheldon said of tourists who now might not want to come back. Some residents said they applaudlaw enforcement and government officials who have worked to get thelaw breakersoff the street. Panama City Beach expected a large crowd this weekend. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 07:43 PM CST. County and city align with PCB:New ordinance aligns city, county, PCB in emergency situations in wake of spring break chaos, Breakdown of spring break arrests:161 people arrested in Panamaniac spring break weekend: Heres a breakdown of the charges. This zero-tolerance policy includes a ban on underage drinking, traffic disruption, loud music, and pop-up parties in businesses or empty lots. "What . Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. Marshals Service. Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! 2023 www.newsherald.com. 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. 2023 www.newsherald.com. Southern Comfort Mar 02, 2023, 08:30 ET . Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. 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. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. "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. The shooting suspect, 22-year-old David Jamichael Daniels, of Mobile, Alabama, was charged with seven counts of attempted . She's seen some calm spring breaks and some crazy ones. On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Trepanier said he, his staff and their customers at hisupscale Fireflyin the Shoppes at Edgewater plaza spent practically the entire weekend grappling with unrulycrowds set on creating chaos in Panama City Beach. 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. "We're like 20 minutes away from the ball field and it took us an hour to get there," Crockett said. 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.. Entrepreneur - Amanda Breen 1d. . It's not just residents who are concerned. All the suspects are from Alabama and range in age from 17 to 37. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. 'What justice looks like': 160 people arrested, 75 guns seized during chaotic PCB spring break weekend, 'A glimpse into the bad past': Panama City Beach businesses shut doors amid spring break chaos. According to police, the event resulted in. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. Bluegreen's Bayside Resort and Spa. "We saw a 15.6% increase in March of . Talamantez noted that once his department learned about the "Panamaniac take over event," officers began warning local business owners. For the month of March, no drinking on the beach?. Alcohol sales will also stop at 2 a.m. during the entire month of March. And we're gonna come kick your door in," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. 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. At a press conference on Monday, law. Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history and is now also a larger-than-life entertainer! "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". But it's not . The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. College students gather in Panama City Beach, FL during spring break in March 2020. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We don't need this.". See recent changes in local employment, regional inflation and more in these regularly updated charts and maps. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. Panama City Beach, FL. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same. Metal shovels and holes deeper than two feet are not permitted on the beach. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. New ordinance aligns city, county, PCB in emergency situations in wake of spring break chaos, 161 people arrested in Panamaniac spring break weekend: Heres a breakdown of the charges, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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.". 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. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. "That's not just because we're scared of (those words). 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. Their sole intention is to break the law andcause havoc. "I never expected this. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. and last updated 6:56 AM, Mar 29, 2022 161 people were arrested during what some social media groups were calling "PCB Takeover" at Panama City Beach over the weekend. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 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. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of lawbreakers. or redistributed. "But don't put your head in the sand. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Spring break in Panama City Beach: PCB much tamer, but police still battling Spring Break beach booze. Funded by Bay Point Advisors, LLC, this brand-new Comfort . 1. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same rules dont apply. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. 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. 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.". "Well , my husband scheduled several trips to new properties Bluegreen has purchased. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. 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. Anyone who is caught in possession. City officials said in a statement on Saturday that they had "expected a large crowd" during the weekend and had formulated a plan, according to several local reports. They also said that while residents might feel wronged by Marchregulations put in place because of the sins of past spring breakers, officials cannot pass specific rules for only one group of people. 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. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. 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. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. MORE NEWS . EVENTS. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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 . Enter dates to see prices. 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. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. 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,.