Video above: Tampa International Airport prepares for a busy spring break
Panama City Beach, Fla. (WFLA) – The popular Florida Beach town appears to be joining Miami Beach with a “breakup” during spring break.
Panama City Beach Police Chief Talamantez said in a Facebook post dealing with tourists and the community that local law enforcement cannot handle the rough crowds of visitors the season brings.
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“Panama City Beach is no longer a spring break town. It’s over,” writes Tamantes. “We try to manage it every year, and each year brings more challenges. We don’t want to keep anything that doesn’t work anymore when we put our city’s safety at risk.”
The police chief said many visitors had peacefully enjoyed their time on the beach and “do it the right way.” Others “do not respect the guns, bad intentions and the city,” he said.
“All of you fired shots of small debates and social media dramas, and the tough act disappeared when the cuffs continued,” Talamantes wrote. “Our officers didn’t see any enhanced criminals. They saw scary kids crying in the interview room. Tiktok doesn’t show that part, but our body cameras do.”
Talamantez said spring break “no longer coincides with the values and vision of this community” and wears down PCB police officers.
“In the coming weeks, we will be seriously discussing the future of the spring break season with stakeholders and city leadership,” Tamantes wrote. “I’m sure they share this same concern.”
The city may move away from its party town and its reputation as a spring break capital, but the police chief said it is still welcoming visitors.
“Good visitors are always welcome,” Tamantes wrote. “Don’t fool, go somewhere.”
