Spring break in Panama City Beach has come and gone—but the message from city officials is louder than ever: the party is over.
Following another intense season filled with arrests, fights, and gun-related incidents, Police Chief Eusebio Talamantez said the city is officially moving on from spring break as we once knew it.
He said spring break doesn’t match what the city stands for anymore, and his officers shouldn’t be stuck cleaning up the mess.
“It’s unfair to continue placing that weight on the backs of the men and women who serve and protect this city every day.”
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford backed him up, saying over 200 officers had to be deployed during peak season. They were dealing with guns, fights, and people trying to cause chaos.
“Some of you fired shots over petty arguments and social media drama… When the cuffs went on, the tough act disappeared. 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,” said Talamantez.
He said people came with no respect for the city and thought they could blend in but plenty of them ended up in cuffs.
Mayor Stuart Tettemer says the city is sticking by its police and doubling down on safety for those who live there and its visitors.
“We’ve worked too hard to build a safe, family-focused community, and I won’t let a group of criminals destroy it,” Talamantez added.
Bottom line: Panama City Beach is over spring break as we know it.
