"In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. 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 Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. "Maybe like farther up. Enter dates to see prices. In response to the many circulating social media posts that. They face a variety of charges, including inciting a riot, felony criminal mischief, disorderly conductand theft during a riot-related disturbance. "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". 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. 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. ", 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! 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. 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM. Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. 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. That is what the businesses are committed to doing this year. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. "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.". Unfortunately, you cant ban people from coming here and you never know the type of people who choose to vacation here," Hooker said. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . And you know, we raise our families here. 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. The News Herald. All rights reserved. One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. NOTE: The VIP cards once purchased will not be mailed. The Russell Fields City Pier has been designated as a nosmoking zone on both sides. 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. Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. Don't pretend we live in a world where evil does not exist because time and time again, you see that it does.". 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Funded by Bay Point Advisors, LLC, this brand-new Comfort . 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,. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. We were seeing (them) with rifles in backpacks.". 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.. We are a family-friendly destination and we want everyone to be safe.. Panama City Beach expected a large crowd this weekend. 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. Bluegreen's Bayside Resort and Spa. Published March 1, 2021 at 8:52 AM EST. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. 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. 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. Panama City Beach, FL. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A slew of rules are enforced throughout the entire month of March. He said police investigations show this same group visited the area last year and gathered at Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill. 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. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! Regardless, residents can agree on one thing:They never want to experience this nightmare again. 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.". At a press conference on Monday, law. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. 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, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. 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. To offer Spring Break events like never before, Southern Comfort will be living it up at Harpoon Harry's in Panama City Beach, . "They're coming from the regional area. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. We've been there and done that. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. Among the spring break laws now in effect include a prohibition on the sale of alcohol from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. Panama City Beach is a resort town in Northwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Panama City Beach Council members on Thursday unanimously approved an . Those huge crowds caused roads to be shut down in Panama City Beach. 4 min read PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say while they knew weeks in advance that a potentially dangerous. "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. Law enforcement officials have detained over 160 people in Panama City Beach following a spring break weekend that saw massive crowds of people disrupting the area, officials said. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. "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.". (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Bay County Sheriff's. 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 . 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. 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. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. 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. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. Talamantez said crowds were not violent but some revelers were "acting a fool," according to the report. "Our staff had to continue to accommodate them in the middle of all this destructive behavior, so their safety was put at risk.". FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS CARRY ON IN PANAMA CITY, FAR AWAY FROM TROUBLES IN MIAMI BEACH. Im just here for the sun and fun.. "I would (come back here for vacation), but probably not like down to this area," Miller said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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 . Legal Statement. Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. For example, the sale of alcohol is allowed past 2 a.m. in Panama City, whereas in PCB it is not. Published: Mar. Three. Our local law enforcement did the best they could, giving the hand they were dealt and I, for one, commend them for doing so.". Is that right? Bruyn said. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. 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. Anyone who is caught in possession. Southern Comfort Mar 02, 2023, 08:30 ET . Panama City Beach is limiting the number of people who may gather together on the sand during spring break. Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said, We are reminding locals and visitors alike. 1. Police may also temporarily close the beaches if things get out of hand. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. Double red flags signify a ban on entry into the Gulf. 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. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. 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. Talamantez said they are still investigating the case and looking for additional suspects. 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. 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. "I never expected this. Among those arrested in 2022 were 15 people involved with a riot at a PCB Walmart officials said was instigated by social media influencers. Panama City Beach is vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States.. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. Panama City Beach Police warn visitors ahead of Spring Break season. A Dothan man has been arrested and charged with one count of rape. This is a resort town. 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. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. 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. In Panama City Beach, Christopher Lawrence Cox, 37, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder in the shooting death early Tuesday of a 14-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. Talamantez confirmed to MyPanhandle.com. News provided by. 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. This is what they think our beach is. "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 . Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. "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. Fox News Flash top headlines for March 27, prompting police to descend upon the area. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. Panama City Beach Police Department officials released the following statement to NewsChannel 7. All rights reserved. Let's put that in perspective. In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. Talamantez noted that once his department learned about the "Panamaniac take over event," officers began warning local business owners. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital). 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. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. According to police, the event resulted in. All the suspects are from Alabama and range in age from 17 to 37. "And then they say it's not spring breakers,it's the 'hundred milers.' 2023 www.newsherald.com. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. Panama City Beachs spring break rules go into effect. "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. (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. 0:04. 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. 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). However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same. 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. ", 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.". 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM PDT. "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. "This is a perfect place away from the spring break crowd!". 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police Department told NewsChannel 7 they are continuing to deal with large crowds of spring breakers. Walmart had closed down and it was just, it was a mess.". 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. 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. 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. Panama City Commissioners last year considered adopting the alcohol ordinance, but after speaking and working with local businesses they decided not to adopt it. 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. 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 could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. 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. Everybody has to have a valid drivers license.. "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. Alabama vacationers Kenzie Hawkins and Bre Millerhad to transfer to another motel afterviolence near the first motel. "I felt unsafe in a place that I have called home for many years and that is a horrible feeling. Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. 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. What happened was unforeseen and is hard to control. All rights reserved. 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. 1:38. Ive seen the police break them up a few times, Bruyn said. Panama City Beach has the following accommodations new and newly renovated for 2023: Comfort Inn & Suites - Now Open. Please subscribe to keep reading. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Spring break is just around the corner, and that means so are the spring break laws. 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. "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.". Everybody is positive.. Beach police were joined by multiple agencies for the two operations. Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. "It's not the right direction to move," Volkov said of the past weekend. Beach police have been patrolling the area and say the. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Arrest and at least one night in the County Jail. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. "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. We don't need this.". If they see something that is not right, say something. These are people who are not affiliated with any college and come to the area within driving distances. The shooting suspect, 22-year-old David Jamichael Daniels, of Mobile, Alabama, was charged with seven counts of attempted . Dogs are only allowed at the designated Dog Beach west of the City Pier. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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." 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. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City Beach police are holding a news conference about the ongoing situation on the beach. College students gather in Panama City Beach, FL during spring break in March 2020. I still can't wrap my head around it," Hooker said. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. Mar. Spring Break. Hatteras Beach, North Carolina, which has . 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. We decided to try to invite them back.". More than 100 people congregated in the Walmart parking lot during the riot and wereshown on video taking over the store. "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. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Show prices. But this year, Panama City Beach is a target for criminals. General, Fire & Police Pension Boards Meeting. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. This is not our community.' . For new residents, like Orlando-native Khalil Campbell, spring break was something they knew they would experience when moving to the area. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). "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. 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.