Beach police were joined by multiple agencies for the two operations. Is that right? Bruyn said. "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. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Two shootings and massive crowds of spring . "When we start seeing events named 'takeovers' and 'maniacs' and things like that, (they) cause us concern," Ford said. 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. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.. 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. Copyright 2023 WJHG. "We weren't just seeing (criminals with) a 38 Special in the pocket. 02. Anyone who is caught in possession. 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. "And then afterwards, it took us over an hour to get home because all the roads were closed down. 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. Please subscribe to keep reading. "Have upfront raw communication with children. We "were driving down the road and there were these people getting pulled over and they were unloading an AR and everything," Hawkins said. 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. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate tourists who bring crime to the Beach.. 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. Southern Comfort Mar 02, 2023, 08:30 ET . Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. Panama City Beach Police Department officials held a press conference Wednesday morning to unveil the arrests from Operation Rollback and Operation Rogue Wave. Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure spring break doesnt get out of hand again. 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. Among those arrested in 2022 were 15 people involved with a riot at a PCB Walmart officials said was instigated by social media influencers. "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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. Double red flags signify a ban on entry into the Gulf. Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. 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. ", 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.". Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 10:05 PM CST. Talamantez said the business owner will get back to him this week about the event. Regardless of who it is, go to your own town and trash your own town, quit trashingours. That is what the businesses are committed to doing this year. Published: Mar. Panama City Beach Police Department officials released the following statement to NewsChannel 7. "I would (come back here for vacation), but probably not like down to this area," Miller said. 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. Hooker said she had to lock her gift shop'sdoors to keep everyone out. Talamantez said crowds were not violent but some revelers were "acting a fool," according to the report. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. 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. If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. In the adjoiningrestaurant, she said workers were having an even harder time. Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. Beach police have been patrolling the area and say the. PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. "They were trying to have sex with children. 999 reviews. An image from a press conference livestream shows some of the 75 weapons confiscated during one spring break weekend in Panama City Beach. Published: Mar. 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. 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. "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.". Yes, I have. Panama City Beach has the following accommodations new and newly renovated for 2023: Comfort Inn & Suites - Now Open. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. Officials expect the largest crowds on March 23-27. 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. "In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. For example, the sale of alcohol is allowed past 2 a.m. in Panama City, whereas in PCB it is not. EVENTS. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly. Ive seen the police break them up a few times, Bruyn said. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. The nightly cutoff is normally 4 a.m. Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. . 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. 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. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same rules dont apply. Beach officials warn visitors of dangers ahead of Spring Break. In Panama City Beach, there are several spring break laws in place that started on March 1 and end on March 31. Copyright 2022 WJHG. "That's the part that's disheartening," Sheldon said of tourists who now might not want to come back. Is our economy doing better or worse? But it's not . "Our staff had to continue to accommodate them in the middle of all this destructive behavior, so their safety was put at risk.". Here's the scoop. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. Spring Break. Hatteras Beach, North Carolina, which has . Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of . "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. "I felt unsafe in a place that I have called home for many years and that is a horrible feeling. . . An image from a press conference livestream shows some of the 75 weapons confiscated during one spring break weekend in Panama City Beach. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. 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. Legal Statement. "Honestly, I was blown away. 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. She's seen some calm spring breaks and some crazy ones. MORE NEWS . "Maybe like farther up. (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. 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. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 07:43 PM CST. "This is a perfect place away from the spring break crowd!". Bay County Sheriff's. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. But, like most Panama City Beach. George Santos Under Scrutiny CBS News App (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital), Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. Mar. Panama City Beach spring break crowds By WJHG Newsroom Published: Mar. For us, its a good thing because it scares the bazebras out of people like me, Bruyn said. A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. 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.. "These people dont follow rules or laws. We had a plan in place due to a large number of visitors over the weekend. Vibez . He said police investigations show this same group visited the area last year and gathered at Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill. 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. "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. Law enforcement officials in Bay County . We've seen when somebody calls something a takeover what can happen. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. Those huge crowds caused roads to be shut down in Panama City Beach. One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. Some residents said they applaudlaw enforcement and government officials who have worked to get thelaw breakersoff the street. 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. 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. Metal shovels and holes deeper than two feet are not permitted on the beach. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital). 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. 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. ", '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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. TheBeach experienced an onslaughtof what are being dubbed "true criminals" onFriday evening,complete with a shooting, crowdsand even a stampede at the Walmart at the intersection of Front Beach and Middle Beach roads. 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 . Regardless, residents can agree on one thing:They never want to experience this nightmare again. Panama City Beach. But, like most Panama City Beach residents,she's never experienced anything as chaotic as this pastweekend. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. "These are not college spring breakers," Ford said. Everybody is positive.. Chief Smith says for those looking to come here for spring break, come and have fun but dont break the law. All rights reserved. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. 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. There was only one shooting, which Ford noted occurred off Front Beach Road. Law enforcement officials said the arrests send a strong message to anyone coming to Panama City Beach with ill intentions. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We are a family-friendly destination and we want everyone to be safe.. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. Panama City Commissioners last year considered adopting the alcohol ordinance, but after speaking and working with local businesses they decided not to adopt it. 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.. Its all in an effort to keep the community safe. Chief Talamantez wants visitors to have a good time but also abide by the following restrictions: Climbing, jumping off, or throwing anything from balconies is illegal. The shooting suspect, 22-year-old David Jamichael Daniels, of Mobile, Alabama, was charged with seven counts of attempted . 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history and is now also a larger-than-life entertainer! This pushed the "unsanctioned, unregulated and unpermitted special event" into Panama City, where it was held at Vibez. Unfortunately, you cant ban people from coming here and you never know the type of people who choose to vacation here," Hooker 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. This is a resort town. General, Fire & Police Pension Boards Meeting. It resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to anunnamed 21-year-old from Alabama. 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. "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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. "They're coming from the regional area. Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. 1:38. Ive seen the police presence, and Ive seen the people scatter.. Spring breakers pulled over by police along front beach road in Panama City beach, Florida. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. Law enforcement and city officials are cracking down on those who don't abide by the rules this spring break. It was a chaotic scene this weekend in Panama City as spring break crowds recklessly stormed the beaches and bars. During a Monday press conference, the police brass showed an assortment of seized weapons that ranged from pistols to shotguns tosemi-automatic rifles. Local businesses are fully aware of the laws in place and will act accordingly. 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. Spring breakers drive up and down S Pier Park Drive enjoying the nightlife in Panama City Beach, Florida. For new residents, like Orlando-native Khalil Campbell, spring break was something they knew they would experience when moving to the area. The Russell Fields City Pier has been designated as a nosmoking zone on both sides. 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. 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. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. A Dothan man has been arrested and charged with one count of rape. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. 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. Dogs are only allowed at the designated Dog Beach west of the City Pier. 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. Caught in the crossfire of chaos were residents and vacationing families. All rights reserved. ", '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. In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. To offer Spring Break events like never before, Southern Comfort will be living it up at Harpoon Harry's in Panama City Beach, . 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. They face a variety of charges, including inciting a riot, felony criminal mischief, disorderly conductand theft during a riot-related disturbance. 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. Let's put that in perspective. 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. The small business specializes in golf cart rentals.
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