panama city beach spring break news

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 . . It was a chaotic scene this weekend in Panama City as spring break crowds recklessly stormed the beaches and bars. 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. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. Panama City Beach Police Department officials held a press conference Wednesday morning to unveil the arrests from Operation Rollback and Operation Rogue Wave. 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. Mar. All rights reserved. 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. And multiple businesses, including a Walmart store on Front Beach Road, shuttered early on Saturday, MyPanhandle.com reported. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. Panama City Beach is limiting the number of people who may gather together on the sand during spring break. I'd look at these condos that are right across the street from me, and I'd think 'There's families in there who have never been here before. It's not just residents who are concerned. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure spring break doesnt get out of hand again. Panama City Beach Police Department officials released the following statement to NewsChannel 7. That is what the businesses are committed to doing this year. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 07:43 PM CST. As beach safety director for Panama. 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. You can cancel at any time. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. Bluegreen's Bayside Resort and Spa. "These people dont follow rules or laws. "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. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital). ', "It absolutely isn't, and it breaks my heart that they had to deal with these criminals this weekend. Is our economy doing better or worse? SPRING BREAKERS LET LOOSE AMID NATIONWIDE CRIME SPIKE, CURFEW ENACTED IN ONE POPULAR DESTINATION. 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. 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. (WJHG/WECP) - Two shootings and massive crowds of spring breakers have pushed the city of Miami Beach to declare a state of emergency. George Santos Under Scrutiny CBS News App Spring break in Panama City Beach: PCB much tamer, but police still battling Spring Break beach booze. Chief Smith said they all might be separate agencies, but they can unify as one quickly. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. 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. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. 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 utilized that video to help identify them. In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. 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. On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. 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. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM PDT. 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. "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. Walmart had closed down and it was just, it was a mess.". We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. Copyright 2022 WJHG. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate tourists who bring crime to the Beach.. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. It may be hard to believe for some . 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. 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. 26, 2022 at 8:51 PM PDT PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police. PANAMA CITY BEACH A portion of the beach will once again be closed overnight this spring. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Panama City spring break 2023. All rights reserved. "The sad thing about it was we had people who had prom reservations birthday reservations (and) anniversary reservations that we had to cancel just because of the lunacy that was going on.". Its all in an effort to keep the community safe. 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The consumption or possession of alcohol is not allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. '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. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 2023 www.newsherald.com. "I never expected this. 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. Panama City Beach Police don't mess around when it comes to rule-breakers. 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. 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. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. Talamantez noted that once his department learned about the "Panamaniac take over event," officers began warning local business owners. 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." "And then they say it's not spring breakers,it's the 'hundred milers.' Panama City Beach woman . At Wednesday's meeting, Panama City Police Chief Mark Smith showed fliers for a couple of such events, one a "spring break takeover" at a Panama City Club called Vibez on March 26, the. 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. MONTGOMERY Kenneth Glasgow, a Dothan pastor and founder of the Christian-based nonprofit The Ordinary People Society, pleaded guilty Friday . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. Let's put that in perspective. 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. 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. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. 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. ", 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. Copyright 2023 WJHG. 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 . Panama City Beachs spring break rules go into effect. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. 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 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. 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. Vibez . Arrest and at least one night in the County Jail. "I see it getting worse because law enforcement can't keep up with the crowd," Crockett said. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of lawbreakers. 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.. 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 The police will also actively search for suspects with any outstanding warrants. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. ", 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.". However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. 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. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. 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.. A slew of rules are enforced throughout the entire month of March. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez warned visitors that the police will take swift action against individuals who come with ill intentions. Yes, I have. Some residents said they applaudlaw enforcement and government officials who have worked to get thelaw breakersoff the street. Law enforcement officials said the arrests send a strong message to anyone coming to Panama City Beach with ill intentions. Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. This is what they think our beach is. Anyone who is caught in possession. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. He said police investigations show this same group visited the area last year and gathered at Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! It then remained open on Sunday. Metal shovels and holes deeper than two feet are not permitted on the beach. During a Monday press conference, the police brass showed an assortment of seized weapons that ranged from pistols to shotguns tosemi-automatic rifles. "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. This is not our community.' 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. Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. For us, its a good thing because it scares the bazebras out of people like me, Bruyn said. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "When we start seeing events named 'takeovers' and 'maniacs' and things like that, (they) cause us concern," Ford said. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. Panama City Beach has the following accommodations new and newly renovated for 2023: Comfort Inn & Suites - Now Open. The company is informing customers ahead of spring break that unruly passengers could be hit with a $500 fine . Hatteras Beach, North Carolina, which has . Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This zero-tolerance policy includes a ban on underage drinking, traffic disruption, loud music, and pop-up parties in businesses or empty lots. Marshals Service. "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". But this year, Panama City Beach is a target for criminals. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. 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 and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. Mar. We were seeing (them) with rifles in backpacks.". Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. See recent changes in local employment, regional inflation and more in these regularly updated charts and maps. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. They face a variety of charges, including inciting a riot, felony criminal mischief, disorderly conductand theft during a riot-related disturbance. ", 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. By Katie Bente. 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. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. ", 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. A Dothan man has been arrested and charged with one count of rape. 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.