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. Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! 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." However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same. Let's put that in perspective. Period," Talamantez said. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hookerhas lived in Panama City Beachfor 12 years. The News Herald. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. 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 Beachs spring break rules go into effect. Funded by Bay Point Advisors, LLC, this brand-new Comfort . "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. "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. ', "It absolutely isn't, and it breaks my heart that they had to deal with these criminals this weekend. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure spring break doesnt get out of hand again. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 07:43 PM CST. . And we're gonna come kick your door in," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. 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! At a press conference on Monday, law. 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. 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. 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.. During a Monday press conference, the police brass showed an assortment of seized weapons that ranged from pistols to shotguns tosemi-automatic rifles. 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 don't need this.". Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. At a press conference on Monday, law. On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. #1 Best Value of 12 Spring Break Resorts in Panama City Beach. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. Enter dates to see prices. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. Is our economy doing better or worse? The event, which leaders say was dubbed by organizersas"Panamaniac," resulted in more than 160 arrests, the confiscation of 75 illegal guns, one shooting with non-life-threatening injuries and numerous closures of roads and businesses. "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. Panama City Beach is limiting the number of people who may gather together on the sand during spring break. 2023 www.newsherald.com. 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. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez warned visitors that the police will take swift action against individuals who come with ill intentions. "Honestly, I was blown away. Panama City Beach, FL. 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. "Close it down, close down spring break," Crockett said. 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. ", '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. In addition, the consumption of alcohol on the sand beach is prohibited at any time for the duration of March. Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. It was at that time the parking lotof the Shoppes at Edgewater was "so jammed full of these idiots," he said. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. It was a chaotic scene this weekend in Panama City as spring break crowds recklessly stormed the beaches and bars. Alcohol sales will also stop at 2 a.m. during the entire month of March. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. More than 100 people congregated in the Walmart parking lot during the riot and wereshown on video taking over the store. Spring break in Panama City Beach: PCB much tamer, but police still battling Spring Break beach booze. In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. Arrest and at least one night in the County Jail. For emergencies, dial 911. "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.". "When we start seeing events named 'takeovers' and 'maniacs' and things like that, (they) cause us concern," Ford said. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. 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. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. Law enforcement and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. It was nothing to do with Spring Break. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. . Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. "We utilized that video to help identify them. "I never expected this. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. Answer Man: Is it illegal to take pictures of people without their permission? Three. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. The nightly cutoff is normally 4 a.m. Chief Smith said they all might be separate agencies, but they can unify as one quickly. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. "We saw a 15.6% increase in March of . PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Spring break is just around the corner, and that means so are the spring break laws. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. 1. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. Here's the scoop. 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. 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. Bay County Sheriff's. 08. Panama City Beach resident Franis Vanzuelasaid she wants to see more places closedown, so the spring breakers can leave. All local law enforcement agencies have partnered together for spring break. Panama City Commissioners last year considered adopting the alcohol ordinance, but after speaking and working with local businesses they decided not to adopt it. Overnight scooter rentals are prohibited. 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. ", 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.". Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. ", 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. Spring Break. 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. This is not our community.' For us, its a good thing because it scares the bazebras out of people like me, Bruyn said. 999 reviews. Hooker said she had to lock her gift shop'sdoors to keep everyone out. 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. 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. Hatteras Beach, North Carolina, which has . All rights reserved (About Us). "We're like 20 minutes away from the ball field and it took us an hour to get there," Crockett said. They face a variety of charges, including inciting a riot, felony criminal mischief, disorderly conductand theft during a riot-related disturbance. 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). You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! All rights reserved. I still can't wrap my head around it," Hooker said. Beach officials warn visitors of dangers ahead of Spring Break. "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. 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 felt unsafe in a place that I have called home for many years and that is a horrible feeling. Marshals Service. 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.". Law enforcement officials in Bay County . Panama City Beach Police Department officials held a press conference Wednesday morning to unveil the arrests from Operation Rollback and Operation Rogue Wave. All rights reserved. Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. Anyone who is caught in possession. Among those arrested in 2022 were 15 people involved with a riot at a PCB Walmart officials said was instigated by social media influencers. Mar. While the area has a total population of only 15,000, it attracts more than 4.5 million visitors every year, who come to enjoy the hot summer sun and witness the various unique attractions . "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. 0:04. 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. All rights reserved. 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. We've been there and done that. PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate tourists who bring crime to the Beach.. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. A criminal record that will follow you beyond Spring Break. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . It then remained open on Sunday. "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. EVENTS. 4 min read PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say while they knew weeks in advance that a potentially dangerous. We've seen in the past that there is a large criminal element in that category.". Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. '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. Panama City Beach Council members on Thursday unanimously approved an . 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. Mar. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. Crowds remained on the sidewalks, while vehicular traffic was also heavy, he reportedly said. Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. 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. We are a family-friendly destination and we want everyone to be safe.. Ive seen the police break them up a few times, Bruyn said. College students gather in Panama City Beach, FL during spring break in March 2020. A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. 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.. It may be hard to believe for some . As beach safety director for Panama. 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. Panama City Beach is anticipating an uptick in visitors during Spring Break next month. 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. Officials say Spring Break in Panama City Beach is the best it's ever been WMBB News 13 16K views 5 months ago Alabama man shot in Panama City Beach WVTM 13 News 143K views 4. Use the buddy system and never leave your friends. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - It's known as the spring break capital of the world. 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. Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said, We are reminding locals and visitors alike. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, "We prevented this specific group, these specific influencers from hosting these events in Panama City Beach,"Talamantez said. "Have upfront raw communication with children. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. Crockett said in her 16 years of living in the area, this is one of the most dangerous spring breaks she's seen. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. Market data provided by Factset. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. Talamantez said they are still investigating the case and looking for additional suspects. Its a really pretty beach. 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.