panama city beach spring break news

Dogs are only allowed at the designated Dog Beach west of the City Pier. 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. 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. A Dothan man has been arrested and charged with one count of rape. MONTGOMERY Kenneth Glasgow, a Dothan pastor and founder of the Christian-based nonprofit The Ordinary People Society, pleaded guilty Friday . Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. ", '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. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of lawbreakers. Please subscribe to keep reading. We dont rent to anyone whos under 21, clearly, Evans said. You must be 21 years of age to possess or drink alcohol. George Santos Under Scrutiny CBS News App PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly. It was at that time the parking lotof the Shoppes at Edgewater was "so jammed full of these idiots," he said. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. Metal shovels and holes deeper than two feet are not permitted on the beach. Bay County Sheriff's. At a press conference on Monday, law. This zero-tolerance policy includes a ban on underage drinking, traffic disruption, loud music, and pop-up parties in businesses or empty lots. College students gather in Panama City Beach, FL during spring break in March 2020. 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 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. Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. 999 reviews. Period," Talamantez said. More than 100 people congregated in the Walmart parking lot during the riot and wereshown on video taking over the store. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. Its a really pretty beach. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . Read on to discover everything you need to know about Panama City spring break 2023. 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 . The consumption or possession of alcohol is not allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. All rights reserved. And we're gonna come kick your door in," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. Beach police have been patrolling the area and say the. 2023 www.newsherald.com. 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, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City Beach police are holding a news conference about the ongoing situation on the beach. Published: Mar. Panama City Beach expected a large crowd this weekend. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. ", '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. 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. Everybody is positive.. On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. "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. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. 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. There is no alcohol allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. 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. "This is a perfect place away from the spring break crowd!". This pushed the "unsanctioned, unregulated and unpermitted special event" into Panama City, where it was held at Vibez. 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. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. Three. "This act that he wants to bring to town has actually been investigated for a racketeering case involving homicide and money laundering, drug trafficking, a bunch of other things.". For the month of March, no drinking on the beach?. Im just here for the sun and fun.. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. According to police, the event resulted in. "Have upfront raw communication with children. ", 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. 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 . Panama City Beach resident Franis Vanzuelasaid she wants to see more places closedown, so the spring breakers can leave. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital). Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure spring break doesnt get out of hand again. "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. 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM PDT. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. Operation Rogue Wave resulted in the arrest of 21men on various charges, with three other suspects still being sought on charges of transmitting harmful material to a child and solicitation of a child for sexual activity. Panama City Beach is vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States.. 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. Crowds remained on the sidewalks, while vehicular traffic was also heavy, he reportedly said. 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. 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. '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. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. It's the only pandemic-related restriction in place at the start of the busy month for tourism. 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM. Spring Break. The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. Overnight scooter rentals are prohibited. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. Talamantez said they are still investigating the case and looking for additional suspects. "It's not the right direction to move," Volkov said of the past weekend. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. The company is informing customers ahead of spring break that unruly passengers could be hit with a $500 fine . Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. 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. 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. 0:04. 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 . For us, its a good thing because it scares the bazebras out of people like me, Bruyn said. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. 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.. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. But, like most Panama City Beach residents,she's never experienced anything as chaotic as this pastweekend. Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. Market data provided by Factset. Crockett said in her 16 years of living in the area, this is one of the most dangerous spring breaks she's seen. A criminal record that will follow you beyond Spring Break. "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. 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. Bluegreen's Bayside Resort and Spa. 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. Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2023 WJHG. "They're coming from the regional area. MORE NEWS . We don't need this.". "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. Beach police were joined by multiple agencies for the two operations. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Anyone who is caught in possession. In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. If they see something that is not right, say something. #1 Best Value of 12 Spring Break Resorts in Panama City Beach. "These individuals jumped at the opportunity to try to have sex with a kid; 24 in this small beach town were taken into custody," Talamantez said. Our local law enforcement did the best they could, giving the hand they were dealt and I, for one, commend them for doing so.". Show prices. I still can't wrap my head around it," Hooker said. In one reported incident, an Alabama man was shot in the foot. "Close it down, close down spring break," Crockett said. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! 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,. Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. 02. 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. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. 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. A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. Use the buddy system and never leave your friends. "That's the part that's disheartening," Sheldon said of tourists who now might not want to come back. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. All rights reserved. "We utilized that video to help identify them. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. 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. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Marshals Service. We've seen in the past that there is a large criminal element in that category.". "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. Regardless, residents can agree on one thing:They never want to experience this nightmare again. Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. And you know, we raise our families here. Panama City Beach. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. I have been meeting with the business owners of those late-night establishments and have been establishing some agreements with them that if it gets too bad that they are willing to close early, Chief Smith said. Police may also temporarily close the beaches if things get out of hand. "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. That is what the businesses are committed to doing this year. Going by the stage name Diesel, he is scheduled to perform live during Spring Break in Panama City Beach on March 16 at Harpoon Harry's. At 7'1 and 325 pounds, Shaq's larger-than-life personality and powerful All rights reserved. Beach officials warn visitors of dangers ahead of Spring Break. 4 min read PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say while they knew weeks in advance that a potentially dangerous. Panama City Beach Police Department officials released the following statement to NewsChannel 7. Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. The police will also actively search for suspects with any outstanding warrants. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of . 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 . We have partnered with our local businesses to close their parking lots when their businesses are closed or to close their doors early if needed. 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. Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. General, Fire & Police Pension Boards Meeting. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS CARRY ON IN PANAMA CITY, FAR AWAY FROM TROUBLES IN MIAMI BEACH. "And then they say it's not spring breakers,it's the 'hundred milers.' "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. 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. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. "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. Here's the scoop. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. Everybody has to have a valid drivers license.. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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.. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez warned visitors that the police will take swift action against individuals who come with ill intentions. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. (Fox News Digital/Joshua Comins) The city is also prohibiting the sale of alcohol at liquor and beer stores after 6 p.m. until March 27. Copyright 2023 WJHG. For example, the sale of alcohol is allowed past 2 a.m. in Panama City, whereas in PCB it is not. 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. The nightly cutoff is normally 4 a.m. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. And multiple businesses, including a Walmart store on Front Beach Road, shuttered early on Saturday, MyPanhandle.com reported. 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. Law enforcement and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. Chief Smith said they all might be separate agencies, but they can unify as one quickly. 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. Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. 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. All local law enforcement agencies have partnered together for spring break. 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 is a resort town in Northwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico coast. 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. The city had a dangerous weekend with. "They were trying to have sex with children. ", 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.". But it's not . 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. NOTE: The VIP cards once purchased will not be mailed. 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. 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. This is a resort town. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. Mar. 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. We "were driving down the road and there were these people getting pulled over and they were unloading an AR and everything," Hawkins said. Alabama vacationers Kenzie Hawkins and Bre Millerhad to transfer to another motel afterviolence near the first motel. 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.". Panama City Beach spring break crowds By WJHG Newsroom Published: Mar. 26, 2022 at 8:51 PM PDT PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police. 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. 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. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. It then remained open on Sunday. It's not just residents who are concerned. For emergencies, dial 911. Law enforcement officials in Bay County .

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