Spring Break 2017

Officials don't want "rowdy" crowds to move west as a result of Bay, Walton counties' increased enforcement.

By Annie Blanks | 315-4450 | @DestinLogAnnie | ablanks@thedestinlog.com

DESTIN - The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and Destin say they are prepared for this year's influx of spring breakers, who could come as early as mid-February.

Sheriff Larry Ashley said his department is prepared to welcome "law-abiding" visitors, but will crack down on underage and disorderly drinkers and house parties.

"Our neighbors Bay and Walton counties have moved to zero tolerance policies and, basically, we don't want that crowd moving west as a result of their increased enforcement," Ashley said. "We'll put out again an open letter to the students letting them know what our expectation is. We want them to come and have a great time, make memories and enjoy themselves. We just want them to be law-abiding and safe."

He said he expects spring break to last through April.

The Sheriff's Office will coordinate with city, county and Walton County Sheriff's Office to ensure safety for tourists and residents, Ashley said. The Sheriff's Office will receive additional marine units from the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council and the city of Destin, while the Walton Sheriff's Office will provide helicopter patrols along all beaches in Walton, Destin and on Okaloosa Island. They will look for unruly crowds, open containers, glass, dogs and beach bonfires, Ashley said.

In an emailed statement, Destin City Manager Carisse LeJeune said the city expects a successful spring break this year.

"Last year, we worked closely with Okaloosa County officials to provide extra law enforcement presence in Destin and on Okaloosa Island during spring break," LeJeune said. "Based on the numbers and conversations with the Sheriff's Office, and the response from our stakeholders, we believe last year's effort was a huge success.

"We will continue the effort again this spring," she added. "And we are grateful that the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department has agreed to help fund this necessary project that ultimately serves the county's tourism industry."

Last year, there were 393 spring break-related arrests in Destin, with 219 of them in the Crystal Beach area, according to Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Michele Nicholson. There were 124 arrests on Okaloosa Island.

Does Walton County, Sheriff Atkinson, have plans for spring breakers etc?

He always does...

...and they are?

See 2016 spring break. What they have done the last two years has been very effective.

For the most part it has and kudos to those that keep the party low key and under control.

What about Trespassing on Private Beach property? How's that going to work? Will have another Edie Batt case where the property owner is arrested and the drunk tourist rule?

One thing I've learned and it's become more and more apparent is that Tourists come first and are never wrong. Our BCC and other officials kiss their A$2 and have little if any regard for Locals.

In two years or so we will be Destin or PCB.

Just look at WCSO and FHP traffic Enforcement. During break time it's non-existent. During winter it's all they do, go after locals.

How about parking violations? I don't think WCSO even knows what that is. People pull across traffic and park on the wrong side of the street for gosh sakes! Go look at 30a any day of the week.

Don't boo hoo about man power, etc., The $ is there for boots on the ground, they need more on the road and less in seats up in DFS.

Anyone know the sheriff's budget for this sort of thing?

Well this weekend we had both FHP and WCSO running traffic. One was hiding behind the BBQ sign near the silver sands mall. Mostly in the area of Wal Mart and Sandestin in the AM.

Will they be out enforce during Spring Break getting the 80 mph plus tourists? I doubt it...

Strict Enforcement of Ordinances

Local law enforcement preparing for spring break

The time of the year when college students take over Panama City Beach is coming up again. Last year, Bay County started new rules banning the consumption and possession of alcohol on the beach.


Panama City Beach Police say they're planning to enforce those rules again this Spring Break. The county's ordinances not only banned drinking on the beach, but required bars to close no later than 2 a.m.

The alcohol ban lasts for the entire month of March and Panama City Beach Police along with the Bay County Sheriff's Office are planning to make sure people are following these rules. The two law enforcement agencies are working together to send a message to visitors to ensure public safety.

"They were good kids. We didn't have any major problems we're hoping for the same thing this year," said Chief Drew Whitman of the Panama City Beach Police, "If the kids want to come down we just want to make sure they understand the rules so they make an informed decision before they travel here."

Beach Police posted a message on their Facebook page listing all the Spring Break ordinances and that they will be strictly enforced. "We're trying to send out some social media alerts right now to the different groups advising them what our ordinances are so the kids in college can make an informed decision before they come here," said Chief Whitman.

They claim traffic enforcement, we will see, I hope so...I do know that the female posse member is always out working. She should run their traffic division!

Just what is "pretty strong, no tolerance"? Sounds like some ambiguity there. Maybe on the private beach issues?

Walton County Sheriff's Office gears up for spring break 2017

Spring break is known as a time for college and high school students to escape the pressure of school and let loose, and the Walton County Sheriff's Office is reminding these young adults that you can still have fun while being safe.


"We do try to get out message out to both the colleges and high school crowd. We use social media as our platform to get our message out so they understand the expectations when they come to Walton County about what we expect and what's not tolerated," says Walton County Sheriff's Office Captain Audie Rowell.

Captain Rowell says they have a pretty strong no tolerance stance.

"So we've gotten our message out to the folks that come here, that we want them to be safe and have a good time, but we're not going to put up with the illegal activity," Captain Rowell explains.

They say the best plan of action is having a heavy presence throughout the community.

"During our spring break operations, we do increase staffing. We have lots of overtime deputies working both on the beach and off the beach looking for activity. Making things safe for folks," add Captain Rowell.

But patrolling the beach isn't all they will be doing.

"We will be doing heavy traffic enforcement, both with aggressive driving, texting and driving, not wearing your seat belt, DUI. All that, we will do heavy enforcement on that," says Captain Rowell.

They understand kids will be kids but they're trying to look out for the students' best interest.

"Anytime you mix crowds and alcohol, a lot of things can happen. We don't want anybody to be injured permanently, we don't want anybody to do anything that would certainly jeopardize their career, their life. What we are trying to say is, when you come here, act responsible and have a good time," Captain Rowell explains.

College spring break will run from March 4th- 31st, followed by high school spring break from April 1st-15th.

Spring break, the time of year when aging Sowalers sulk over lost youth and reinsert last years stick in their a**.

Spring Break Christian concerts in Panama City Beach canceled

"It's still not clear exactly why the event was canceled."

Look like PCB doesn't want the "good" kids, bring back the alcohol fused debauchery and thugary!!! and the $$$!!!

I bet SoWal Rental Rates were too high and too regulated by the management companies and the kids had to settle for PCB, but when they found out it would be Christian Music as opposed to Gansta' Rap they started looking elsewhere. Bookings are down and everyone's upset...

Make the choice, Family Friendly vs. Thug Friendly and please keep the later out of our County...

Walton County officials also are advertising a zero-tolerance approach to Spring Break again this year.

"Our policy is going to be the same," Sheriff Mike Adkinson said last week. "We have had less problems by cracking down on underage drinking, but occupancy has stayed up."

Officials said between the zero-tolerance policy and getting the word out, arrests have steadily decreased in recent years.

"Everyone seemed happy with the way things have gone," WCSO spokesperson Corey Dobridnia said.

The sheriff said the main problem he is seeing now is the underage group that mostly hangs out at Seaside unsupervised. The college-aged group mostly stays in Miramar Beach.

WCSO had its first pre-spring break meeting last week for vendors, heads of security and business owners. "The meeting was pretty quiet, and the sheriff took that as a good sign," Dobridnia said.

Adkinson said as many as 60 or 70 officers will be patrolling in South Walton during peak Spring Break season, and if needed, that number can be pushed higher.

Here we go, looks like Walton is on top of it. Thanks to all on the front lines. Wish these reports had location of arrest so we can see where the attention is needed based on numbers...

Photos: Spring Break underage drinking arrests for March 3-4, 2017

Keep up the good work!

Interesting to see LOCAL kids being arrested too. Did they not get the message the first time?

Photos: Spring Break underage drinking arrests for March 5, 2017

House party raid was 1 of 9 calls to South Walton rental

"The home, which is located in the spring breaker-coveted Crystal Beach neighborhood near the Whale's Tail restaurant, has six bedrooms, six bathrooms and sleeps 26 people, according to its listing on the White Sands Vacation Homes website."

Sounds like White Sands Vacation Homes is part of the problem...

That and the fact that Walton Co., has no occupancy rules / ordinances...

Crystal Beach is in Okaloosa County. Misprint?

"You just have to, basically to have a concealed container, they don't really check. Other than that I don't think there's any other way. Besides like, just trying to hide it or having a fake ID or something, which a lot of people do," said Klepper.

They have figured it out...

Spring breakers finding ways around ordinances

"You just have to, basically to have a concealed container, they don't really check. Other than that I don't think there's any other way. Besides like, just trying to hide it or having a fake ID or something, which a lot of people do," said Klepper.

They have figured it out...

Spring breakers finding ways around ordinances

"You just have to, basically to have a concealed container, they don't really check. Other than that I don't think there's any other way. Besides like, just trying to hide it or having a fake ID or something, which a lot of people do," said Klepper.

They have figured it out...

Spring breakers finding ways around ordinances

..you gotta be tough...

At least one spring breaker won't be causing trouble down there!

"A 19-year-old University of Alabama student speeding toward some spring break festivities was arrested in Florida Friday after police say they found seven cases of beer and marijuana in his pickup truck."

Teen on his way to spring break in Florida busted with 7 cases of beer, marijuana in truck, cops say

Spring Break attracts thousands of young people to South Walton who are all looking to have fun with their families in Seaside. Seaside’s goal is to provide that fun and family time together in a safe, enjoyable environment while also facilitating a genuinely, positive experience. Last year, Seaside incorporated some community-wide guidelines during Spring Break that allowed for a safe and pleasant experience. Building on last year’s success, Seaside has incorporated the following guidelines this year:


1) Beach access is closed after 8 p.m. to age 21 and under unless accompanied by a parent (Coleman and Seaside pavilions, Bud & Alley's walkover).

2) No backpacks are allowed on the beach.

3) No flags are allowed on the beach.

4) Music from speakers is being monitored and no overly loud or inappropriate music is allowed.

Seaside’s Courtesy Team members are available to assist if needed at 850-231- 6177.

ROLL TIDE!!!

Spring Break attracts thousands of young people to South Walton who are all looking to have fun with their families in Seaside. Seaside’s goal is to provide that fun and family time together in a safe, enjoyable environment while also facilitating a genuinely, positive experience. Last year, Seaside incorporated some community-wide guidelines during Spring Break that allowed for a safe and pleasant experience. Building on last year’s success, Seaside has incorporated the following guidelines this year:


1) Beach access is closed after 8 p.m. to age 21 and under unless accompanied by a parent (Coleman and Seaside pavilions, Bud & Alley's walkover).

2) No backpacks are allowed on the beach.

3) No flags are allowed on the beach.

4) Music from speakers is being monitored and no overly loud or inappropriate music is allowed.

Seaside’s Courtesy Team members are available to assist if needed at 850-231- 6177.

That has got to cost the homeowners a significant amount of money to staff competent security to handle such a program.

Kudos to Seaside and it's owners. Has there been any push-back from long term and entitled renters? The real test will be the Atlanta Crowd, coming soon.

The real test will be the Atlanta Crowd, coming soon.

Ah yes, the worst week of the year for SoWal.....I remember last year, absolutely terrible!