"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. "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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said, We are reminding locals and visitors alike. Answer Man: Is it illegal to take pictures of people without their permission? 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 . Beach police have been patrolling the area and say the. College students gather in Panama City Beach, FL during spring break in March 2020. 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. Mar. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. "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. "These people dont follow rules or laws. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. 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. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. All rights reserved. "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. 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. The company is informing customers ahead of spring break that unruly passengers could be hit with a $500 fine . Spring Break 2021 in Panama City Beach As she stood with her friends on the beach on March 25 near the Russell-Fields Pier, with double-red flags flying overhead and a gusty sea breeze. Its a really pretty beach. 2023 www.newsherald.com. Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. Seller, buyer, property location, total purchase price, date. It's not just residents who are concerned. Market data provided by Factset. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . 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. In one reported incident, an Alabama man was shot in the foot. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. Panama City Beach spring break crowds By WJHG Newsroom Published: Mar. If they see something that is not right, say something. Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. Crockett said in her 16 years of living in the area, this is one of the most dangerous spring breaks she's seen. 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. That is what the businesses are committed to doing this year. "Well , my husband scheduled several trips to new properties Bluegreen has purchased. Panama City Beach, FL. "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. Beach police were joined by multiple agencies for the two operations. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - It's known as the spring break capital of the world. "When we start seeing events named 'takeovers' and 'maniacs' and things like that, (they) cause us concern," Ford said. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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 . "Maybe like farther up. 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 . 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. And multiple businesses, including a Walmart store on Front Beach Road, shuttered early on Saturday, MyPanhandle.com reported. 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. 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. And you know, we raise our families here. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. Copyright 2023 WJHG. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! 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. Those huge crowds caused roads to be shut down in Panama City Beach. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Spring break is just around the corner, and that means so are the spring break laws. According to police, the event resulted in. 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. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH A portion of the beach will once again be closed overnight this spring. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. ", 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "I would (come back here for vacation), but probably not like down to this area," Miller said. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. We "were driving down the road and there were these people getting pulled over and they were unloading an AR and everything," Hawkins said. "I see it getting worse because law enforcement can't keep up with the crowd," Crockett said. If they are still wanting to continue their party atmosphere, they come over to the Panama City side to the adult establishments which are open for the extra two hours, Chief Smith said. Hooker said she had to lock her gift shop'sdoors to keep everyone out. 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. "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. 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. "This is a perfect place away from the spring break crowd!". All rights reserved. or redistributed. PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. Marshals Service. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. Panama City Beach is anticipating an uptick in visitors during Spring Break next month. This is not our community.' PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. Alabama vacationers Kenzie Hawkins and Bre Millerhad to transfer to another motel afterviolence near the first motel. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. 2023 www.newsherald.com. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of . Bay County Sheriff's. More than 100 people congregated in the Walmart parking lot during the riot and wereshown on video taking over the store. 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. This is a resort town. One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Copyright 2022 WJHG. She's seen some calm spring breaks and some crazy ones. Local law enforcement officials announced Monday that they confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people throughout the weekend. What happened was unforeseen and is hard to control. 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 Regardless of who it is, go to your own town and trash your own town, quit trashingours. "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 . 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. Regardless, residents can agree on one thing:They never want to experience this nightmare again. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure spring break doesnt get out of hand again. To offer Spring Break events like never before, Southern Comfort will be living it up at Harpoon Harry's in Panama City Beach, . Dogs are only allowed at the designated Dog Beach west of the City Pier. All rights reserved. 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. Bluegreen's Bayside Resort and Spa. "I felt unsafe in a place that I have called home for many years and that is a horrible feeling. 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. Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. In Panama City Beach, there are several spring break laws in place that started on March 1 and end on March 31. Legal Statement. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . Vibez . 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 . The city had a dangerous weekend with. 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. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. For new residents, like Orlando-native Khalil Campbell, spring break was something they knew they would experience when moving to the area. Arrest and at least one night in the County Jail. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. "I never expected this. Hawkins and Miller said they were nervous learning about all the events that were happening, scared they would get kidnapped with all the people running around at night. "In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. 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. "That's the part that's disheartening," Sheldon said of tourists who now might not want to come back. Panama City Beach leaders reminded the public Wednesday that the "Spring Break" laws have begun and will be "strictly enforced." For more News, Weather, and . They also said that while residents might feel wronged by Marchregulations put in place because of the sins of past spring breakers, officials cannot pass specific rules for only one group of people. For the month of March, no drinking on the beach?. "Have upfront raw communication with children. Published March 1, 2021 at 8:52 AM EST. We dont rent to anyone whos under 21, clearly, Evans 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. Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. 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.. 08. 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. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB) Panama City Beach is expecting a big boom in business with spring breakers and tourists soon coming to Bay County. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Panama City Beach woman . PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! For emergencies, dial 911. 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. At a press conference on Monday, law. FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS CARRY ON IN PANAMA CITY, FAR AWAY FROM TROUBLES IN MIAMI BEACH. 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. This pushed the "unsanctioned, unregulated and unpermitted special event" into Panama City, where it was held at Vibez. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. As beach safety director for Panama. Panama City Beach Police Department officials held a press conference Wednesday morning to unveil the arrests from Operation Rollback and Operation Rogue Wave. 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 seen in the past that there is a large criminal element in that category.". Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Enter dates to see prices. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. 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." 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. Market data provided by Factset. 1. In addition, the consumption of alcohol on the sand beach is prohibited at any time for the duration of March. ', "It absolutely isn't, and it breaks my heart that they had to deal with these criminals this weekend. An image from a press conference livestream shows some of the 75 weapons confiscated during one spring break weekend in Panama City Beach. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. "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. Panama City Beach prepares for spring break crowd The battle over Spring Break had been building for years as then-Sheriff Frank McKeithen, some local residents and others tried to. "As I was walking through the crime scenes Sunday, all I could think about is 'This is not our beach. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. 02. 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. 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.". 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. Unfortunately, you cant ban people from coming here and you never know the type of people who choose to vacation here," Hooker said. Here is how it works: Buy the Maniac VIP card based on your travel destination and receive over $500 in savings with: FREE CLUB COVER CHARGES, FREE & DISCOUNTED DRINKS, FREE CONCERTS, DISCOUNTS ON RESTAURANTS & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS! Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. "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," the statement reportedly said. Talamantez said they are still investigating the case and looking for additional suspects. Is our economy doing better or worse? Yes, I have. PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say while they knew weeks in advance that a potentially dangerous event was planned for this past weekend in Panama City Beach, they cannot control who visits the area. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. We decided to try to invite them back.". Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. 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). Im just here for the sun and fun.. It was a chaotic scene this weekend in Panama City as spring break crowds recklessly stormed the beaches and bars. 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. Published: Mar. In response to the many circulating social media posts that. Entrepreneur - Amanda Breen 1d. 1:38. We had a plan in place due to a large number of visitors over the weekend. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. 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. "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. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. 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. These are criminals who came to our town to be lawless and create havoc, Sheldon said at the time, adding that we saw a lot of folks from Montgomery and Birmingham who came down to just create trouble.. Talamantez noted that once his department learned about the "Panamaniac take over event," officers began warning local business owners. 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 Beach 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-5100 ADA/EEO/Fair Housing Coordinator . Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. . 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. ", 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.". Spring break in Panama City Beach: PCB much tamer, but police still battling Spring Break beach booze. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. 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. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly. 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. 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. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. All rights reserved. Panama City Beach resident Franis Vanzuelasaid she wants to see more places closedown, so the spring breakers can leave. Three. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Officials say Spring Break in Panama City Beach is the best it's ever been WMBB News 13 16K views 5 months ago Alabama man shot in Panama City Beach WVTM 13 News 143K views 4. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. 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. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. 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. For us, its a good thing because it scares the bazebras out of people like me, Bruyn said. With the help ofinformation gathered online, they were able to locate ongoing crimes through the Bay Real Time Operations Center, a new division that accesses and utilizes live feeds from traffic lights and security cameras throughout the county.