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 ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK VIP CARD FOR 30 YEARS! 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. In one reported incident, an Alabama man was shot in the foot. City of Panama City Beach, FL | Home Law enforcement officials in Bay County said Sunday . Panama City Beach Spring Break This is what they think our beach is. PANAMA CITY BEACH Sariah Hooker has lived in Panama City Beach for 12 years. "In the midst of thousands of people running through the boardwalk, we also had customers who were sitting down and enjoying their dinner," Hooker said. Over 1 Million College Students Can't Be Wrong! PCBPD releases statement on spring break crowds - WJHG We don't need this.". Yet, Campbell said it was a lot more intense than he realized. Panama City Beach Police Department officials held a press conference Wednesday morning to unveil the arrests from Operation Rollback and Operation Rogue Wave. 999 reviews. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. 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. 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. "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. Drinking alcohol on the sandy beaches and behind the wheel is also not permitted. The PCB Police Departments non-emergency number is (850) 233-5000. Here's the scoop. 02, 2023, 12:48 p.m. | Published: Mar. . (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital). "I think our government and law enforcement are doing the best they can do in situations like this. How crime in Panama City Beach signaled the end of Spring Break 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. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Its a really pretty beach. 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. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach is a popular destination spot for tourists and spring breakers. "Have upfront raw communication with children. 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. Panama City Beach woman . Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 07:43 PM CST. 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. Walmart had closed down and it was just, it was a mess.". "I saw the old Spring Break, and I've seen the new Spring Break, (which was better until Saturday night).". Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. In addition, the consumption of alcohol on the sand beach is prohibited at any time for the duration of March. In response to the many circulating social media posts that. We decided to try to invite them back.". Editor's note: The location of Sunday's shooting has been updated to more accurately pinpoint where it occurred. "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 . At a press conference on Monday, law. . 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. For emergencies, dial 911. "Close it down, close down spring break," Crockett said. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said that 161 people were arrested and jailed over the weekend and that officers seized 75 guns. In Panama City Beach, there are several spring break laws in place that started on March 1 and end on March 31. ", 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. "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. "They're coming from the regional area. It's the only pandemic-related restriction in place at the start of the busy month for tourism. (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. Metal shovels and holes deeper than two feet are not permitted on the beach. "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. A shooting occurred during spring break in Panama City, March 28, 2015. "What . In general, its a lot of fun here, Canadian Visitor Tony Bruyn said. "That's what this (was). 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. "Honestly, I was blown away. 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. Is our economy doing better or worse? 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. . Panama City Beach reminds beachgoers to follow flag - newsherald.com 08. Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited. Panama City Beach ranked 10th cheapest beach destination in U.S. to "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. PANAMA CITY BEACH Local law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate tourists who bring crime to the Beach.. "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.". 2023 www.newsherald.com. All local law enforcement agencies have partnered together for spring break. PCB Spring Break: from chaotic to family-friendly - wctv.tv A slew of rules are enforced throughout the entire month of March. We dont rent to anyone whos under 21, clearly, Evans said. 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. However, other residents believe that more needs to be done by government and law enforcementofficials. Among those arrested in 2022 were 15 people involved with a riot at a PCB Walmart officials said was instigated by social media influencers. Talamantez said they are still investigating the case and looking for additional suspects. #1 Best Value of 12 Spring Break Resorts in Panama City Beach. Spring Break Is Already Getting Wild in Miami, Panama City, South Padre Spring break in Panama City Beach: PCB much tamer, but police still battling Spring Break beach booze. Their sole intention is to break the law andcause havoc. Panama City Beach's spring break rules go into effect {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Geneva County coach Holmes juggling new son and leading Lady Dawgs to state tournament, Dothan native, former Auburn star Blake Burkhalter of Atlanta Braves to have Tommy John surgery, Dothan physician, daughter killed in single-vehicle crash near Barbour County line, Dothan Wolves fall to Hoover in Class 7A basketball semifinals, Elba girls battle with grit, but fall short against Marion County in 1A state semifinals, 14 charts that show how the economy is performing in Alabama, George Scott named head coach for Enterprise State Lady Weevils basketball, PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Draper strikes out 16 to spark Carroll win, SATURDAY PREP BASEBALL: Dothan rallies past Houston Academy, PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Steed's double helps Ariton defeat Opp, Dothan Wolves not worried about underdog label going against Hoover, PREP SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: McCarthys run-scoring hit gives Dothan victory, Houston County real estate transfers Feb. 21-Feb. 23, 2023. Panama City's Spring Break CATASTROPHE - YouTube "We utilized that video to help identify them. On Sunday afternoon, a 21-year-old from Alabama was shot in the foot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. 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. It then remained open on Sunday. Published: Mar. Spring break and COVID-19: Experts worry about crowded beaches - USA TODAY If something doesnt seem right it probably isnt, so use good judgement. 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM. All rights reserved. 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! 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. Marshals Service. 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 . Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. One of them was Dianne Crockett, a Front Beach Road resident. Some specifically travel to prey on spring breakers. Panama City Beach to announce changes for spring breaker in - WTVM Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. 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. Answer Man: Is it illegal to take pictures of people without their permission? But it's not . Vibez . EVENTS. Glasgow pleads guilty to federal tax evasion, mail fraud, and drug charges, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities. 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. Anyone who is caught in possession. Florida: Over 160 arrested in Panama City beach as spring break crowds Mar. Market data provided by Factset. 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 . Florida deputies arrest over 160 in Panama City Beach during 'dangerous 78 from Alabama arrested as Panama City Beach grapples with disorder Parking in closed businesses lots or city rights of way after dark is prohibited. 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,. Show prices. As beach safety director for Panama. 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. ", '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. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Panama City Beach spring break crime: Social media alerted police to But, like most Panama City Beach. However, across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, some of those same rules dont apply. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Hatteras Beach, North Carolina, which has . We've seen when somebody calls something a takeover what can happen. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Panama City Beach Limits Spring Break Gatherings On Sand Beach policecharged 15 people in theMarch 26riot at the Walmart at the intersection of Middle Beach and Front Beach roads. "In general, it's a lot of fun here," Canadian Visitor Tony. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. PANAMA CITY BEACH Fla. (WMBB) Spring breakers are in Panama City Beach and even with a pandemic, this year is no different. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Carnival Cruise Line hopes its guests relax and have fun on its fleet up to a point. 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. 'PCB Takeover' ends with 161 arrests in Florida over spring break weekend WATCH: Crowds go crazy in Panama City Beach - YouTube Panama City officials prepared for spring breakers An image from a press conference livestream shows some of the 75 weapons confiscated during one spring break weekend in Panama City Beach. 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. Regardless of who it is, go to your own town and trash your own town, quit trashingours. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Crowds remained on the sidewalks, while vehicular traffic was also heavy, he reportedly said. It may be hard to believe for some . Bluegreen's Bayside Resort and Spa. 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 . If they see something that is not right, say something. 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. 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. Music heard more than 25 feet away is illegal. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history and is now also a larger-than-life entertainer! 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. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. "I see it getting worse because law enforcement can't keep up with the crowd," Crockett said. 0:04. 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. ', "It absolutely isn't, and it breaks my heart that they had to deal with these criminals this weekend. Mar. Panama City officials prepared for spring breakers, 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. 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. The cruise line's updated contract follows a spate of unruly guest behavior across the tourism industry. It was nothing to do with Spring Break. Overnight scooter rentals are prohibited. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all. 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. Panama City Beach is a resort town in Northwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Music should not be audible from 25 feet away. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of lawbreakers. Panama City Beach. "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. We are a family-friendly destination and we want everyone to be safe.. Local bars and nightclubs working with law enforcement for Spring Break Law enforcement officials in Bay County . "We prevented this specific group, these specific influencers from hosting these events in Panama City Beach,"Talamantez said. Talamantez said crowds were not violent but some revelers were "acting a fool," according to the report. Were going to go and get it if theyre breaking any of the rules, Tonjua Evans, operations manager of Hangout By The Sea, said. 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. Panama City Beachs spring break rules go into effect. 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). "And then afterwards, it took us over an hour to get home because all the roads were closed down. Talamantez said the business owner will get back to him this week about the event. Local officials said the city was targeted by a group of . Several businesses shut down Saturday after dealing. 7 Injured, 3 Critically, in Panama City Beach Spring Break Shooting Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said, We are reminding locals and visitors alike. Panama City businesses expect big boom from Spring Break crowds FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS CARRY ON IN PANAMA CITY, FAR AWAY FROM TROUBLES IN MIAMI BEACH. or redistributed. "Our staff had to continue to accommodate them in the middle of all this destructive behavior, so their safety was put at risk.". Beach police were joined by multiple agencies for the two operations. 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 consumption of alcohol in parking lots and in vehicles is not allowed. By Katie Bente. Spring breakers play beach games at Panama City Beach. This is a resort town. Panama City Beach spring break crowds By WJHG Newsroom Published: Mar. Southern Comfort Mar 02, 2023, 08:30 ET . Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. 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. Published: Mar. Since businesses in Panama City can stay open later in March, Chief Smith said he planned ahead before Spring Break season arrived. Panama City Beach to close part of beach overnight during Spring Break Legal Statement. Panama City Beach 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-5100 ADA/EEO/Fair Housing Coordinator . Planning Board Meeting- Cancelled. Riding on the exterior of vehicles, including sitting on the edge of window sills and standing up through the sun roof, is strictly prohibited. Among the spring break laws now in effect include a prohibition on the sale of alcohol from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. Tropic Like It's Hot at Some of Mexico and Florida's Hottest Clubs This No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. You have permission to edit this article. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. We've seen in the past that there is a large criminal element in that category.". These are people who are not affiliated with any college and come to the area within driving distances. This pushed the "unsanctioned, unregulated and unpermitted special event" into Panama City, where it was held at Vibez. He said police investigations show this same group visited the area last year and gathered at Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "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. "We could have had multiple homicides and we could have ended up in national news with officer-involved shootings," he said. 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." PCB Mayor: Same criminals behind Miami spring break crime - Fox News Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed. 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. 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. "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. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 WJHG. We have to keep a little bit of a closer eye on that during spring break because those kids are on a budget.. Spring break in Panama City Beach: What we know about the - Yahoo! News Panama City Beach sets spring break rules amid COVID-19 pandemic - WTVM The News Herald. See recent changes in local employment, regional inflation and more in these regularly updated charts and maps. "They were trying to have sex with children. Panama City Beach has the following accommodations new and newly renovated for 2023: Comfort Inn & Suites - Now Open. 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. Deaths, violence occur during Florida spring break