Law enforcement calls 2024 Spring Break a success

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL - The City of Panama City Beach, in conjunction with the Bay County Sheriff’s Department, held a post Spring Break press conference Tuesday, April 9 2024, acknowledging the success of the season, with no serious injuries, property damage or gun crime affiliated with Spring Break itself.

“The best part was I didn’t have to make any phone calls about a tragedy,” said Police Chief J.R. Talamantez. “I didn’t have to tell anyone their loved one was not coming home or that they were in the hospital seriously injured.

“For two years in a row we have not had a tragedy. And that’s because of the amazing work of the men and women in law enforcement and the support we get from the Mayor and Council, making sure we have the technology, the manpower, and the resources that we need.”

Talamantez said overall arrests during the March 1-April 8 timeframe were up 23 percent over the same period last year, with juvenile arrests up 41 percent. Drug arrests increased 79 percent, through the successful deployment of the City’s K9 officers. The number of confiscated weapons decreased 45 percent from 2023.

Talamantez said beach accommodations reported being at 100 percent occupancy this last week, with most Georgia high schools having Spring Break at the same time, following the Easter weekend.

Law enforcement wrestled with large crowds several times during Spring Break on the east end around Pineapple Willy’s and at Pier Park. The rowdiest of crowds were high schoolers who were quickly contained by law enforcement. Police sent a stern warning to parents last week also, saying it is irresponsible for parents to allow teenagers to travel hundreds of miles away unaccompanied.

“It’s not supposed to be our job to parent these kids,” Talamantez said. “Juveniles were the biggest issue for us. There was a lack of parental supervision.”

A difference was made through a strong showing of police officers from the beach and other communities, and Sheriff’s deputies along with Florida Highway Patrol and Fish and Wildlife officers, assisted on the sandy beach by PCB firefighters, code enforcement officers and lifeguards.

“We have a zero tolerance,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. “Having the backing of the community, and the city and county commissions, the help from surrounding communities, these partnerships brought about the cooperation needed to have a successful Spring Break season. Our community supports law and order.”

Mayor Mark Sheldon, who did ride-alongs with police and often showed up on scene when crowds gathered, said there was great synergy among all the agencies.

“Our job as elected officials is to support law enforcement,” Sheldon said. “We always want to be a family-friendly beach destination."

Several years ago the City and County enacted similar Spring Break ordinances, including no drinking on the beach during the month of March. During the month, 150 citations were issued to adults for drinking on the beach; three citations were issued to juveniles; and another 28 citations were written to juveniles in possession of alcohol.

Chief Talamantez commended his officers and their families, who supported the officers during more than 30 days of long hours and difficult conditions.

“They worked long hours in day-over-day deployment,” he said. “They sacrificed and missed anniversaries and special occasions with their families. I am extremely proud of them.”