Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . 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. 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. "These are not college spring breakers," Ford said. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Panama City spring break 2023. Everybody has to have a valid drivers license.. We've been there and done that. "In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. 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.. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez warned visitors that the police will take swift action against individuals who come with ill intentions. "I would (come back here for vacation), but probably not like down to this area," Miller said. Ive seen the police break them up a few times, Bruyn said. Hooker said she had to lock her gift shop'sdoors to keep everyone out. "They're coming from the regional area. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. 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. You must be 21 years of age to possess or drink alcohol. This is not our community.' If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. It was at that time the parking lotof the Shoppes at Edgewater was "so jammed full of these idiots," he said. Local businesses are fully aware of the laws in place and will act accordingly. During a chaotic Saturday night and Sunday evening, officers with the Beach Police Department, Panama City Police Department, Bay County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people. But, like most Panama City Beach. 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, Fla. ( WMBB) Massive crowds forced road closures and led many local businesses to close early on Panama City Beach over the weekend. "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.". According to police, the event resulted in. 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. 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM. 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." 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. Dont accept anything from someone you dont know. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! '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. Period," Talamantez said. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. Panama City Beach Police warn visitors ahead of Spring Break season. Editor's note: The location of Sunday's shooting has been updated to more accurately pinpoint where it occurred. During a Monday press conference, the police brass showed an assortment of seized weapons that ranged from pistols to shotguns tosemi-automatic rifles. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. But this year, Panama City Beach is a target for criminals. 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. Marshals Service. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. 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. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. However, things may take a turn for those who dont follow PCBs spring break ordinances. Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. Funded by Bay Point Advisors, LLC, this brand-new Comfort . PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Two shootings and massive crowds of spring . "What . A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. Market data provided by Factset. Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. Panama City Beach adopts 'spring break laws' after 'lawless' 2022 season Updated: Mar. Law enforcement officials in Bay County . Copyright 2022 WJHG. 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. The cruise line's updated contract follows a spate of unruly guest behavior across the tourism industry. Low speed vehicles must follow the rules of the road and are not allowed on Hutchison Boulevard or Panama City Beach Parkway. These ordinances prohibit alcohol possession or consumption on the beaches. Local law enforcement officials announced Monday that they confiscated 75 illegal guns and arrested more than 160people throughout the weekend. An image from a press conference livestream shows some of the 75 weapons confiscated during one spring break weekend in Panama City Beach. Legal Statement. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 02, 2023, 11:31 a.m. An image from a press conference. At a press conference on Monday, law. "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. This pushed the "unsanctioned, unregulated and unpermitted special event" into Panama City, where it was held at Vibez. 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. 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. ", 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. It's the only pandemic-related restriction in place at the start of the busy month for tourism. Be responsible and act within the boundaries of the law. ", 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. Bay County Sheriff's. "Close it down, close down spring break," Crockett said. Unfortunately, you cant ban people from coming here and you never know the type of people who choose to vacation here," Hooker said. "These people dont follow rules or laws. Panama City Beach resident Franis Vanzuelasaid she wants to see more places closedown, so the spring breakers can leave. 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.. 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. 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. General, Fire & Police Pension Boards Meeting. 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. George Santos Under Scrutiny CBS News App Anyone who is caught in possession. Best Spring Break Trip Locations for 2023. 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. 08. Spring Break. Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. 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. "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City Beach police are holding a news conference about the ongoing situation on the beach. The small business specializes in golf cart rentals. 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. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. The city and Bay County have had special ordinances in place for Spring Break since 2016. Talamantez said crowds were not violent but some revelers were "acting a fool," according to the report. "Well , my husband scheduled several trips to new properties Bluegreen has purchased. ', "It absolutely isn't, and it breaks my heart that they had to deal with these criminals this weekend. Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! ", '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. Here's the scoop. 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. In a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Chief J.R. Talamantez of the Panama City Beach Police Department, Chief Mark Smith of the Panama City Police Department . 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.