
A popular Florida beach town appears to be joining Miami Beach in “breaking up” with spring break.
In a Facebook post addressing tourists and the community, Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said local law enforcement can’t handle the crowds of rowdy visitors the season brings.
“Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town. That time is over,” Talamantez wrote. “Every year we try to manage it, and every year it brings more challenges. I’m not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works.” The police chief said many visitors “did things the right way” by peacefully enjoying their time on the beach. Others, he said, “came with guns, bad intentions, and no respect for this city.” “Some of you fired shots over petty arguments and social media drama. And when the cuffs went on, the tough act disappeared,” Talamantez wrote. “Our officers didn’t see hardened criminals. They saw scared kids crying in the interview room. TikTok doesn’t show that part, but our body cameras do.” Talamantez said spring break “no longer aligns with the values or vision of this community” and it’s wearing down PCB police officers. “In the coming weeks, we will be having serious discussions with stakeholders and city leadership about the future of the Spring Break season,” Talamantez wrote. “I’m confident they share this same concern.” The city may move to distance itself from its reputation as a party town and spring break capital, but the police chief said it is still welcoming to visitors. “To the good visitors, you’ll always be welcome,” Talamantez wrote. “To the idiots, go somewhere else.”