Curfew Enacted in Storm-Damaged Area of Bay County; Sheriff Announces Arrests for Burglary

BAY COUNTY, FL - Bay County Board of County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency on January 9th. As part of the emergency measures, a curfew was implemented in the affected area from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The designated curfew area, established by Sheriff Tommy Ford, spans south of the Grand Lagoon Bridge and east of Hurt Street off Thomas Drive to the state park. This curfew will remain in effect until further notice, and residents are strongly advised to refrain from moving around in the area after dark. The curfew aims to ensure the safety of both residents and emergency crews engaged in recovery and damage assessment efforts.

During a press conference held on January 10th at 1:30 p.m., local and state leaders addressed the community. Sheriff Ford reassured Bay County residents, stating, "We've been through a lot together, Bay County. And today was no different. We'll get through this, too. Together."

Amid the recovery efforts, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced a significant development in the Treasure Circle area of Panama City Beach. Six individuals were arrested for burglary in the wake of the storm. At approximately 11 a.m. on January 10th, deputies and investigators spotted the men leaving a damaged home carrying items.

Reported by the Bay County Sheriffs Department, the individuals arrested for burglary were identified as Miguel Rivera-Rodrigues (36), Elder Manuel Paz Rapalo (35), Jose Manuel DeLira Castenada (34), and Edgar Adrian Garcia Sanchez (38). Two additional individuals, Jose De Jesus Lozano-Lara (24) and Diego Fabian Villaneuva-Aguilar (21), were arrested and charged with Principal to Burglary.

Sheriff Tommy Ford emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for looting, stating, “Looting will not be tolerated. Anyone who tries to victimize someone who has already lost so much will be caught and prosecuted.” The arrests serve as a stern warning against criminal activities.