Editor's note: The location of Sunday's shooting has been updated to more accurately pinpoint where it occurred. "Honestly, I was blown away. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. Dogs are only allowed at the designated Dog Beach west of the City Pier. Between Saturday and Sunday, 75 illegal guns were confiscated and more than 160 people were arrested in Bay County about half of whom were from Alabama. 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. ", 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. It was nothing to do with Spring Break. These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. In Panama City Beach, there are several spring break laws in place that started on March 1 and end on March 31. Everybody is positive.. 2023 www.newsherald.com. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. It then remained open on Sunday. PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB) Panama City Beach is expecting a big boom in business with spring breakers and tourists soon coming to Bay County. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. 999 reviews. Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. Panama City Beach expected a large crowd this weekend. "That's what this (was). 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. We've been there and done that. Please subscribe to keep reading. 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. "I never expected this. The nightly cutoff is normally 4 a.m. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. 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. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. Panama City Beach, Fla. (WMBB) With Spring Break getting into gear, traveling families and tourists are searching for the best place where they can get the most out of the World's Most . Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. As spring break season continues, many fear what is to come and if law enforcement is prepared. Im just here for the sun and fun.. At a press conference on Monday, law. All rights reserved. Panama City Beach resident Franis Vanzuelasaid she wants to see more places closedown, so the spring breakers can leave. Ive seen the police break them up a few times, Bruyn said. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Panama City spring break 2023. 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.". "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. 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. Legal Statement. You can cancel at any time. Panama City Beach 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-5100 ADA/EEO/Fair Housing Coordinator . 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. Hatteras Beach, North Carolina, which has . Panama City Beach woman . 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 . Mar. Panama City Beach, FL. 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. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. ", 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. Many of those arrested were from Alabama.Panama City Beach Police Department, In the wake of what officials termed a lawless spring break in 2022, Panama City Beach adopted a series of so-called spring break laws.. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. 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. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Spring break is just around the corner, and that means so are the spring break laws. 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. "But don't put your head in the sand. Beach police have been patrolling the area and say the. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Ocean City Beach, Maryland, which has free parking, $7.97 sunscreen, $2.08 sodas, $64.18 accommodations and a total nightly price per person of $77.23. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. Some residents said they applaudlaw enforcement and government officials who have worked to get thelaw breakersoff the street. The Russell Fields City Pier has been designated as a nosmoking zone on both sides. Show prices. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. But, like most Panama City Beach residents,she's never experienced anything as chaotic as this pastweekend. 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.. We were seeing (them) with rifles in backpacks.". Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. News provided by. "I felt unsafe in a place that I have called home for many years and that is a horrible feeling. Law enforcement officials in Bay County . "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. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. Chief Smith said they all might be separate agencies, but they can unify as one quickly. "This is a perfect place away from the spring break crowd!". Talamantez said they are still investigating the case and looking for additional suspects. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. The News Herald. One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. All rights reserved. ", 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. ", '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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Panama City Beach spring break crowds By WJHG Newsroom Published: Mar. 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. 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. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure spring break doesnt get out of hand again. In response to the many circulating social media posts that. 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. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. "I see it getting worse because law enforcement can't keep up with the crowd," Crockett said. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. Copyright 2022 WJHG. 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. Law enforcement and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. Among those arrested in 2022 were 15 people involved with a riot at a PCB Walmart officials said was instigated by social media influencers. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! This zero-tolerance policy includes a ban on underage drinking, traffic disruption, loud music, and pop-up parties in businesses or empty lots. Hooker said she had to lock her gift shop'sdoors to keep everyone out. 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. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. 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.. Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. Legal Statement. Panama City Beach is anticipating an uptick in visitors during Spring Break next month. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. You have permission to edit this article. Arrest and at least one night in the County Jail. However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. At a press conference on Monday, law. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. Police may also temporarily close the beaches if things get out of hand. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital). Spring break in Panama City Beach: PCB much tamer, but police still battling Spring Break beach booze. "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. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. The cruise line's updated contract follows a spate of unruly guest behavior across the tourism industry. 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. . We are a family-friendly destination and we want everyone to be safe.. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - It's known as the spring break capital of the world. Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. "When we start seeing events named 'takeovers' and 'maniacs' and things like that, (they) cause us concern," Ford said. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Geneva County coach Holmes juggling new son and leading Lady Dawgs to state tournament, Dothan native, former Auburn star Blake Burkhalter of Atlanta Braves to have Tommy John surgery, Dothan physician, daughter killed in single-vehicle crash near Barbour County line, Dothan Wolves fall to Hoover in Class 7A basketball semifinals, Elba girls battle with grit, but fall short against Marion County in 1A state semifinals, 14 charts that show how the economy is performing in Alabama, George Scott named head coach for Enterprise State Lady Weevils basketball, PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Draper strikes out 16 to spark Carroll win, SATURDAY PREP BASEBALL: Dothan rallies past Houston Academy, PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Steed's double helps Ariton defeat Opp, Dothan Wolves not worried about underdog label going against Hoover, PREP SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: McCarthys run-scoring hit gives Dothan victory, Houston County real estate transfers Feb. 21-Feb. 23, 2023. "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. Alcohol sales will also stop at 2 a.m. during the entire month of March. All rights reserved. Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. EVENTS. What happened was unforeseen and is hard to control. 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. ", 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.". And you know, we raise our families here. 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. 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 Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said, We are reminding locals and visitors alike. 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. "These people dont follow rules or laws. 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. Copyright 2023 WJHG. 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. All the suspects are from Alabama and range in age from 17 to 37. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. Crowds remained on the sidewalks, while vehicular traffic was also heavy, he reportedly said. . There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. Market data provided by Factset. PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. Talamantez said crowds were not violent but some revelers were "acting a fool," according to the report. According to police, the event resulted in. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. 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 . 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. "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. 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,. Here's the scoop. The police will also actively search for suspects with any outstanding warrants. To offer Spring Break events like never before, Southern Comfort will be living it up at Harpoon Harry's in Panama City Beach, . Panama City Beach Police warn visitors ahead of Spring Break season. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. "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. Market data provided by Factset. 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. "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. Talamantez noted that once his department learned about the "Panamaniac take over event," officers began warning local business owners. 02. Overnight scooter rentals are prohibited. 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 . If they see something that is not right, say something. 4 min read PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say while they knew weeks in advance that a potentially dangerous. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. 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. 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. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez warned visitors that the police will take swift action against individuals who come with ill intentions. 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. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. "And then they say it's not spring breakers,it's the 'hundred milers.' But it's not . We "were driving down the road and there were these people getting pulled over and they were unloading an AR and everything," Hawkins said. We've seen in the past that there is a large criminal element in that category.". 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. 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 . We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB) Panama City does not change any of its laws for Spring Break, but that doesn't mean local authorities aren't preparing. '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. I still can't wrap my head around it," Hooker said. Marshals Service. A Dothan man has been arrested and charged with one count of rape. Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. And we're gonna come kick your door in," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. . 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. 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. 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. 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. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same rules dont apply. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. We've seen when somebody calls something a takeover what can happen.