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. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . ", 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. "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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Mar. All rights reserved. Regardless, residents can agree on one thing:They never want to experience this nightmare again. One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. 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. . 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. "Have upfront raw communication with children. PANAMA CITY BEACH The Panama City Police Department warned potential Spring Break visitors Wednesday that officers will enforce the citys law with zero tolerance during the upcoming season. Market data provided by Factset. We were seeing (them) with rifles in backpacks.". There are 15 individuals that came to Panama City Beach and had so much fun here. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. The News Herald. 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. 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. 0:04. And you know, we raise our families here. 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. 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. 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PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hookerhas lived in Panama City Beachfor 12 years. "We're like 20 minutes away from the ball field and it took us an hour to get there," Crockett said. But it's not . Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. Im just here for the sun and fun.. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. For example, the sale of alcohol is allowed past 2 a.m. in Panama City, whereas in PCB it is not. Panama City Beach Police don't mess around when it comes to rule-breakers. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. "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. Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. We decided to try to invite them back.". Everybody is positive.. 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. 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. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. 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. This is what they think our beach is. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. Up to a $500 fine or imprisonment in the County Jail up to 60 days. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. Kyle Volkov, owner of Axe Throwing PCB, which also is in the Shoppes at Edgewater plaza, said he decided to close his businesson Saturday night as well. or redistributed. Its a really pretty beach. Beach officials warn visitors of dangers ahead of Spring Break. ', "It absolutely isn't, and it breaks my heart that they had to deal with these criminals this weekend. "This is a perfect place away from the spring break crowd!". Fox News Flash top headlines for March 27, prompting police to descend upon the area. 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. Copyright 2023 WJHG. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones. 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." On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez warned visitors that the police will take swift action against individuals who come with ill intentions. 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. 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. Anyone who is caught in possession. Local businesses are fully aware of the laws in place and will act accordingly. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. Spring Break ordinances are in effect. 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. Among those arrested in 2022 were 15 people involved with a riot at a PCB Walmart officials said was instigated by social media influencers. Is our economy doing better or worse? 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM PDT. "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. 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. All the suspects are from Alabama and range in age from 17 to 37. It's the only pandemic-related restriction in place at the start of the busy month for tourism. "I would (come back here for vacation), but probably not like down to this area," Miller said. George Santos Under Scrutiny CBS News App Hatteras Beach, North Carolina, which has . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 1:38. Market data provided by Factset. This zero-tolerance policy includes a ban on underage drinking, traffic disruption, loud music, and pop-up parties in businesses or empty lots. 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. 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. An image from a press conference livestream shows some of the 75 weapons confiscated during one spring break weekend in Panama City Beach. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. "Honestly, I was blown away. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. 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 Police Department officials held a press conference Wednesday morning to unveil the arrests from Operation Rollback and Operation Rogue Wave. "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. General, Fire & Police Pension Boards Meeting. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. Panama City Beach is anticipating an uptick in visitors during Spring Break next month. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - It's known as the spring break capital of the world. The police will also actively search for suspects with any outstanding warrants. He also said that while crime was rampant during the past weekend, things could have been a lot worse if it would not have been for the seamless teamwork of all local law enforcement agencies. PANAMA CITY BEACH 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. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same. ", '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. Panama City Beach, FL. ", 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. Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. "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.". . Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. 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. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. (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. 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. ", 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. Panama City Beach Police Department officials released the following statement to NewsChannel 7. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Everybody has to have a valid drivers license.. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. '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. 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. As spring break season continues, many fear what is to come and if law enforcement is prepared. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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 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,. This is not our community.' 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. The small business specializes in golf cart rentals. 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. Alabama vacationers Kenzie Hawkins and Bre Millerhad to transfer to another motel afterviolence near the first motel. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly. Here's the scoop. "That's the part that's disheartening," Sheldon said of tourists who now might not want to come back. In response to the many circulating social media posts that. 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. "That's not just because we're scared of (those words). It was at that time the parking lotof the Shoppes at Edgewater was "so jammed full of these idiots," he said. County and city align with PCB:New ordinance aligns city, county, PCB in emergency situations in wake of spring break chaos, Breakdown of spring break arrests:161 people arrested in Panamaniac spring break weekend: Heres a breakdown of the charges. Is that right? Bruyn said. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. 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. 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.". There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. Mar. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. Answer Man: Is it illegal to take pictures of people without their permission? 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. PANAMA CITY BEACH A portion of the beach will once again be closed overnight this spring. Panama City Beach expected a large crowd this weekend. Panama City Beach is limiting the number of people who may gather together on the sand during spring break. Alcohol sales will also stop at 2 a.m. during the entire month of March. PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate tourists who bring crime to the Beach.. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. Show prices. The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. 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. "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 . A Dothan man has been arrested and charged with one count of rape. "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.". Police may also temporarily close the beaches if things get out of hand. FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS CARRY ON IN PANAMA CITY, FAR AWAY FROM TROUBLES IN MIAMI BEACH. Marshals Service. PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. Panama City Commissioners last year considered adopting the alcohol ordinance, but after speaking and working with local businesses they decided not to adopt it. Editor's note: The location of Sunday's shooting has been updated to more accurately pinpoint where it occurred. 2023 www.newsherald.com. 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. 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. Panama City Beach woman . "Well , my husband scheduled several trips to new properties Bluegreen has purchased. "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. Let's put that in perspective. "We saw a 15.6% increase in March of . Q: Do people have the right to take your picture and publish it without your permission? Talamantez noted that once his department learned about the "Panamaniac take over event," officers began warning local business owners. 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. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. You have permission to edit this article. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. But, like most Panama City Beach. Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. 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.. Local law enforcement officials announced Monday that they confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people throughout the weekend. Our local law enforcement did the best they could, giving the hand they were dealt and I, for one, commend them for doing so.". 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. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . You must be 21 years of age to possess or drink alcohol. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. "And then they say it's not spring breakers,it's the 'hundred milers.' 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. Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. Panama City Beach is a resort town in Northwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico coast. All rights reserved (About Us). Copyright 2022 WJHG. At a press conference on Monday, law. 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.. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 WJHG. 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. . These are people who are not affiliated with any college and come to the area within driving distances. PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB) Panama City Beach is expecting a big boom in business with spring breakers and tourists soon coming to Bay County.