Its all in an effort to keep the community safe. Let's put that in perspective. Longtime Panama City Beach residents and vacationers are speaking out against the violence that plagued their beloved beach town during the weekend. Enter dates to see prices. We've been there and done that. The shooting suspect, 22-year-old David Jamichael Daniels, of Mobile, Alabama, was charged with seven counts of attempted . 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. And we're gonna come kick your door in," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. 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. 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. 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. Crockett said in her 16 years of living in the area, this is one of the most dangerous spring breaks she's seen. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! "In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. They face a variety of charges, including inciting a riot, felony criminal mischief, disorderly conductand theft during a riot-related disturbance. "That's what this (was). Panama City Beach. 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. It was a chaotic scene this weekend in Panama City as spring break crowds recklessly stormed the beaches and bars. Law enforcement and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. Market data provided by Factset. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. "We utilized that video to help identify them. 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. As spring break season continues, many fear what is to come and if law enforcement is prepared. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly. There is no alcohol allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. Local law enforcement officials announced Monday that they confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people throughout the weekend. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 07:43 PM CST. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hookerhas lived in Panama City Beachfor 12 years. Published: Mar. MONTGOMERY Kenneth Glasgow, a Dothan pastor and founder of the Christian-based nonprofit The Ordinary People Society, pleaded guilty Friday . Regardless, residents can agree on one thing:They never want to experience this nightmare again. There are 15 individuals that came to Panama City Beach and had so much fun here. "What . For the month of March, no drinking on the beach?. 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.". 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 . "Honestly, I was blown away. 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. It then remained open on Sunday. Fox News Flash top headlines for March 27, prompting police to descend upon the area. Police break up spring break crowd at Panama City Beach. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. Panama City Beach expected a large crowd this weekend. Spring Break ordinances are in effect. 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. The city had a dangerous weekend with. Beach police were joined by multiple agencies for the two operations. A slew of rules are enforced throughout the entire month of March. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. Spring Break. Panama City Beach Police don't mess around when it comes to rule-breakers. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 1. #1 Best Value of 12 Spring Break Resorts in Panama City Beach. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. All rights reserved. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez warned visitors that the police will take swift action against individuals who come with ill intentions. The consumption or possession of alcohol is not allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM. 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. 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. One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. We encourage all residents and visitors to speak up. 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. (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. "We want people to come to our community and enjoy our beaches and the many opportunities that we offer for recreation, but we do not want people to come here and think that they're going to terrorize our community like they may terrorize their communities back home," State Attorney Larry Basford said. EVENTS. Q: Do people have the right to take your picture and publish it without your permission? Double red flags signify a ban on entry into the Gulf. We "were driving down the road and there were these people getting pulled over and they were unloading an AR and everything," Hawkins said. Panama City Beach spring break crowds By WJHG Newsroom Published: Mar. Our local law enforcement did the best they could, giving the hand they were dealt and I, for one, commend them for doing so.". For example, the sale of alcohol is allowed past 2 a.m. in Panama City, whereas in PCB it is not. This is a resort town. Alcohol sales will also stop at 2 a.m. during the entire month of March. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. "But don't put your head in the sand. 08. It was nothing to do with Spring Break. 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. 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. 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. Walmart had closed down and it was just, it was a mess.". PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. All rights reserved. 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. Alabama vacationers Kenzie Hawkins and Bre Millerhad to transfer to another motel afterviolence near the first motel. 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! PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate tourists who bring crime to the Beach.. If you see something, say something, if you see something that might indicate that somebody has those types of tendenciesand those interests that involve some type of sexual interest in children, we need to know about it. "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. 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. 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. Florida's beaches and bars are already seeing the first throngs of college students on break, crowding beaches and bars - and worrying public health experts around the country who see the weeks. PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. All rights reserved. "That's not just because we're scared of (those words). "Have upfront raw communication with children. 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. 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. I still can't wrap my head around it," Hooker said. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. See recent changes in local employment, regional inflation and more in these regularly updated charts and maps. "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.". Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. Bay County Sheriff's. She's seen some calm spring breaks and some crazy ones. "We prevented this specific group, these specific influencers from hosting these events in Panama City Beach,"Talamantez said. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. For new residents, like Orlando-native Khalil Campbell, spring break was something they knew they would experience when moving to the area. 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. 0:04. In one reported incident, an Alabama man was shot in the foot. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. For emergencies, dial 911. 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. Crowds remained on the sidewalks, while vehicular traffic was also heavy, he reportedly said. Period," Talamantez said. Mar. 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. Metal shovels and holes deeper than two feet are not permitted on the beach. You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. We've seen when somebody calls something a takeover what can happen. You have permission to edit this article. 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. This is not our community.' "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. The Russell Fields City Pier has been designated as a nosmoking zone on both sides. 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. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. "It's not the right direction to move," Volkov said of the past weekend. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, "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. "And then afterwards, it took us over an hour to get home because all the roads were closed down. Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. 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.. 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. Everybody is positive.. Talamantez noted that once his department learned about the "Panamaniac take over event," officers began warning local business owners. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. The company is informing customers ahead of spring break that unruly passengers could be hit with a $500 fine . You can have fun here without being involved in illegal activities. Panama City Beach 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-5100 ADA/EEO/Fair Housing Coordinator . "When we start seeing events named 'takeovers' and 'maniacs' and things like that, (they) cause us concern," Ford said. Officials expect the largest crowds on March 23-27. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. As long as they follow through with that, I do not anticipate us passing any more laws.. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. 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. "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. "These are not college spring breakers," Ford said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. "You can rest assured that if you're chatting with an underage person inBay County for the purposes of having sex, you're probably chatting with one of us and if you download child pornography, we're going to know about it. The 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. In Panama City Beach, there are several spring break laws in place that started on March 1 and end on March 31. 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. Chief Smith said they all might be separate agencies, but they can unify as one quickly. Panama City Beach has the following accommodations new and newly renovated for 2023: Comfort Inn & Suites - Now Open. 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. 1:38. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same rules dont apply. ', "It absolutely isn't, and it breaks my heart that they had to deal with these criminals this weekend. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. "Our staff had to continue to accommodate them in the middle of all this destructive behavior, so their safety was put at risk.". Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. But this year, Panama City Beach is a target for criminals. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history and is now also a larger-than-life entertainer! 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. "So actually, last year, we did have a record-breaking spring break here," Banks said. Here's the scoop. Im just here for the sun and fun.. 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, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. ", '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. Their sole intention is to break the law andcause havoc. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! 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. Panama City Beach is vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States.. We were seeing (them) with rifles in backpacks.". Read on to discover everything you need to know about Panama City spring break 2023. 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. 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. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. 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 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. At a press conference on Monday, law. This is what they think our beach is. It was at that time the parking lotof the Shoppes at Edgewater was "so jammed full of these idiots," he said. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. "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. Beach police have been patrolling the area and say the. And multiple businesses, including a Walmart store on Front Beach Road, shuttered early on Saturday, MyPanhandle.com reported. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. All rights reserved (About Us). These are people who are not affiliated with any college and come to the area within driving distances. "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.". Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. "I would (come back here for vacation), but probably not like down to this area," Miller said. 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. "These people dont follow rules or laws. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Don't pretend we live in a world where evil does not exist because time and time again, you see that it does.". 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.. Panama City Beachs spring break rules go into effect. Yes, I have. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. We dont rent to anyone whos under 21, clearly, Evans said. "One of the preparations that we did is we spoke to a business owner and local community about the certain act that he wants to bring to town," Talamantez said. Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. Panama City Beach Police Department officials released the following statement to NewsChannel 7. "The sad thing about it was we had people who had prom reservations birthday reservations (and) anniversary reservations that we had to cancel just because of the lunacy that was going on.". Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 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. Answer Man: Is it illegal to take pictures of people without their permission? "This is a perfect place away from the spring break crowd!". Panama City Beach resident Franis Vanzuelasaid she wants to see more places closedown, so the spring breakers can leave. 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. Marshals Service.
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