PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – During the Panama City Beach Commission meeting on Thursday, officials made significant decisions regarding the upcoming spring break season. The commission voted to implement special ordinances aimed at managing conduct from March 28 through April 11.
Recognizing last year’s challenges with high school-aged visitors, Police Chief Eusebio Talamantez emphasized the necessity for regulations that will target this demographic, which was responsible for many incidents. “We will put a lot of effort and coordination with our partners, whether it be the tourist development committee or our local media partners, utilizing social media to ensure that these new ordinances and these new rules will be communicated effectively. This might alter their plans since they will be aware that there will be strict accountability,” Talamantez stated.
To effectively address issues, police have reviewed data from previous spring breaks to pinpoint high-impact areas for concentrated officer presence. “The goal is to discourage chaos in PCB. If you’re planning to create disruptions, Panama City Beach won’t be your destination,” noted Lt. Jason Tettemer. He added that these measures signal a change in the environment minors can expect during their stay.
Chief Talamantez pointed out that while his focus isn’t solely on college spring breakers, the overarching objective is to reduce crime across the board. Additionally, the ordinances are part of a broader strategy that includes finalizing approval for a juvenile detention center, with assistance from multiple agencies in the region during this peak time.
This proactive approach aims to foster a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors during the busy spring break period. As the city prepares for increased tourist activity, communication remains crucial for ensuring compliance with these new regulations.
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