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. 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. "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. "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. Their sole intention is to break the law andcause havoc. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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 consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. The consumption or possession of alcohol is not allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. Panama City Beach has the following accommodations new and newly renovated for 2023: Comfort Inn & Suites - Now Open. Talamantez said crowds were not violent but some revelers were "acting a fool," according to the report. Panama City Commissioners last year considered adopting the alcohol ordinance, but after speaking and working with local businesses they decided not to adopt it. A slew of rules are enforced throughout the entire month of March. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. 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. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. We've seen in the past that there is a large criminal element in that category.". But, like most Panama City Beach residents,she's never experienced anything as chaotic as this pastweekend. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. Panama City Beach woman . Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. 22, 2022 at 8:59 PM PDT. We have partnered with our local businesses to close their parking lots when their businesses are closed or to close their doors early if needed. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of lawbreakers. Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. Panama City Beach Police warn visitors ahead of Spring Break season. Regardless of who it is, go to your own town and trash your own town, quit trashingours. We don't need this.". 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. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. ", 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. "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. "These are not college spring breakers," Ford said. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly. 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. 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. Panama City Beach Police Department officials released the following statement to NewsChannel 7. See recent changes in local employment, regional inflation and more in these regularly updated charts and maps. 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 . Panama City Beach is a resort town in Northwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Mar. PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate tourists who bring crime to the Beach.. Panama City Beach is vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States.. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 26, 2022 at 8:51 PM PDT PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach Police. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Spring break is just around the corner, and that means so are the spring break laws. Chief Smith said they all might be separate agencies, but they can unify as one quickly. All rights reserved. To offer Spring Break events like never before, Southern Comfort will be living it up at Harpoon Harry's in Panama City Beach, . "I see it getting worse because law enforcement can't keep up with the crowd," Crockett said. Panama City Beach, FL. FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS CARRY ON IN PANAMA CITY, FAR AWAY FROM TROUBLES IN MIAMI BEACH. 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. Copyright 2023 WJHG. PANAMA CITY, Fla. - With Miami Beach enforcing a strict curfew to curb a spike in spring break violence in one of the final weeks of the season, Panama City and other Florida beach. or redistributed. Legal Statement. If they see something that is not right, say something. In Panama City Beach, there are several spring break laws in place that started on March 1 and end on March 31. 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 . 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.. It was nothing to do with Spring Break. For the month of March, no drinking on the beach?. 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. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. "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. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. Among the spring break laws now in effect include a prohibition on the sale of alcohol from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. All rights reserved. But it's not . Is that right? Bruyn said. In addition, the consumption of alcohol on the sand beach is prohibited at any time for the duration of March. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. Its all in an effort to keep the community safe. 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. The city had a dangerous weekend with. 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. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. 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. 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 interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. "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. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. "That's the part that's disheartening," Sheldon said of tourists who now might not want to come back. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. Yes, I have. 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. "In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. Vibez . Panama City Beach resident Franis Vanzuelasaid she wants to see more places closedown, so the spring breakers can leave. Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. ", 'What justice looks like in Bay County': 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, 'Close down spring break': Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos. 1:38. Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said, We are reminding locals and visitors alike. Bluegreen's Bayside Resort and Spa. 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. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. There is no alcohol allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. "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. Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. SPRING BREAKERS LET LOOSE AMID NATIONWIDE CRIME SPIKE, CURFEW ENACTED IN ONE POPULAR DESTINATION. 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 . Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. "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. Enter dates to see prices. Im just here for the sun and fun.. ", 160 arrests, 75 guns seized during PCB spring break, Residents, vacationing families caught in crossfire of PCB chaos, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "We prevented this specific group, these specific influencers from hosting these events in Panama City Beach,"Talamantez said. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - Rowdy spring break crowds have forced curfews and led some establishments to close their doors from Miami Beach to Florida 's Panhandle. Police may also temporarily close the beaches if things get out of hand. News provided by. 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. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same rules dont apply. 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. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. Double red flags signify a ban on entry into the Gulf. Is our economy doing better or worse? "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. By Katie Bente. The police will also actively search for suspects with any outstanding warrants. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hookerhas lived in Panama City Beachfor 12 years. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The Russell Fields City Pier has been designated as a nosmoking zone on both sides. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. During a Monday press conference, the police brass showed an assortment of seized weapons that ranged from pistols to shotguns tosemi-automatic rifles. 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.. 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. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. #1 Best Value of 12 Spring Break Resorts in Panama City Beach. MONTGOMERY Kenneth Glasgow, a Dothan pastor and founder of the Christian-based nonprofit The Ordinary People Society, pleaded guilty Friday . 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. This is not our community.' 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. 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. There are 15 individuals that came to Panama City Beach and had so much fun here. Panama City Beach Police Department officials held a press conference Wednesday morning to unveil the arrests from Operation Rollback and Operation Rogue Wave. 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. It's not just residents who are concerned. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "And then they say it's not spring breakers,it's the 'hundred milers.' 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. "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.". Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Entrepreneur - Amanda Breen 1d. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. At a press conference on Monday, law. 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. Local businesses are fully aware of the laws in place and will act accordingly. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. "Close it down, close down spring break," Crockett said. We were seeing (them) with rifles in backpacks.". In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. The shooting suspect, 22-year-old David Jamichael Daniels, of Mobile, Alabama, was charged with seven counts of attempted . And you know, we raise our families here. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. Answer Man: Is it illegal to take pictures of people without their permission? PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. 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. Talamantez said the business owner will get back to him this week about the event. "I would (come back here for vacation), but probably not like down to this area," Miller said. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. Period," Talamantez said. It was a chaotic scene this weekend in Panama City as spring break crowds recklessly stormed the beaches and bars. 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. "We utilized that video to help identify them. "They were trying to have sex with children. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. 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. The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history and is now also a larger-than-life entertainer! One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. "Have upfront raw communication with children. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Two shootings and massive crowds of spring . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Crowds remained on the sidewalks, while vehicular traffic was also heavy, he reportedly said. The cruise line's updated contract follows a spate of unruly guest behavior across the tourism industry. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . According to police, the event resulted in. 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. "That's what this (was). Southern Comfort Mar 02, 2023, 08:30 ET . 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. 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. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Walmart had closed down and it was just, it was a mess.". This is a resort town. Here's the scoop. Arrest and at least one night in the County Jail. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of . 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM. "When we start seeing events named 'takeovers' and 'maniacs' and things like that, (they) cause us concern," Ford said. 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. 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. 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. Panama City Beach Police don't mess around when it comes to rule-breakers. 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! Funded by Bay Point Advisors, LLC, this brand-new Comfort . "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. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. . You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This is what they think our beach is. Panama City Beach 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-5100 ADA/EEO/Fair Housing Coordinator . Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. You can cancel at any time. We dont rent to anyone whos under 21, clearly, Evans said. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. 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." These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. 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. 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. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones. Seller, buyer, property location, total purchase price, date. All rights reserved (About Us). We've been there and done that. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. Petty is wanted for carrying a concealed firearm; Reese is wanted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed firearm, and resisting without violence. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Q: Do people have the right to take your picture and publish it without your permission? 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. 4 min read PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say while they knew weeks in advance that a potentially dangerous. Alcohol sales will also stop at 2 a.m. during the entire month of March. 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,. All the suspects are from Alabama and range in age from 17 to 37. 0:04. 08. 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. As spring break season continues, many fear what is to come and if law enforcement is prepared. 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). 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. The nightly cutoff is normally 4 a.m. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Panama City spring break 2023. ", 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.". Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. 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. Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. Anyone who is caught in possession. We are a family-friendly destination and we want everyone to be safe.. 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. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. 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. The News Herald. Panama City Beach is anticipating an uptick in visitors during Spring Break next month. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure spring break doesnt get out of hand again. PANAMA CITY BEACH, 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 . 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Marshals Service. Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Spring Break ordinances are in effect. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. 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 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. Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. As beach safety director for Panama. Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. All rights reserved. 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.