Walton County Sheriff's Office: Spring Break Report

[Teresa]

Walton County Sheriff's Office
Facebook Report
Monday March 21 2022

Many of you have seen videos (specifically three of the same night and location) circulating on the news and on social media in regards to spring break in Walton County. The TODAY show also aired a story this morning and referenced the curfew put in place by Seaside strategically sandwiched between two instances of shootings from around the state, which we have not experienced here in our county.

You have concerns, questions, and suggestions as to how you'd like your public safety and law enforcement agency to address spring break and we hear you - we are listening.

Tonight, we plan to show you some of the things we've been doing to deter criminal activity and our efforts to mitigate serious tragedy and outcomes during these next few weeks.

We will be tweeting, Instagramming (we know that's not a word), and posting live on Facebook as our team works the areas of concern in the south end of our county. No lip service. We won't be talking about it. We will be doing it - showing you our deputies, what they are facing, and the hard work they are putting in.

Here are the numbers so far. They are continuing to climb as we add more and more resources to areas that pop up as "hot spots".

Totals for Spring Break:
Alcohol Possession Under 21 - 55
Beach Ordinance Violations - 40
Noise Loud Party – 24
Traffic Stops - 372

To give you an update on a case of criminal mischief we posted on March 15th. Those individuals have been identified and reside in Tennessee. Charges are pending.

We look forward to you hanging out with us and will do our best to answer any questions you have as we go. Thanks and we will see you tonight as we Tweet from the beat!

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[Beach days]

Maybe we should have something for teenagers to do when they are here. We hear about how much tax revenue brings in to south end but no one has provided anything for the kids to do at night. Family oriented seems to cater to adults only.

Maybe all the teenagers should stage a sit in during the middle of the afternoon and crowd the town center until 8:00pm.

 

[bob bob]

Maybe we should have something for teenagers to do when they are here. We hear about how much tax revenue brings in to south end but no one has provided anything for the kids to do at night. Family oriented seems to cater to adults only.

Maybe all the teenagers should stage a sit in during the middle of the afternoon and crowd the town center until 8:00pm.

haha - I think they're doing exactly what they want to be doing.

 

[Matt J]

Maybe we should have something for teenagers to do when they are here. We hear about how much tax revenue brings in to south end but no one has provided anything for the kids to do at night. Family oriented seems to cater to adults only.

Maybe all the teenagers should stage a sit in during the middle of the afternoon and crowd the town center until 8:00pm.

Why do we have to provide anything for them?

Why aren't their parents doing this?

We are not a babysitting service. We are a family oriented destination, therefore maybe the families should get together and figure that out?

 

[I Bike 30A]

Well said Matt!

Maybe there should be stronger regulations and penalties for renters and parents that allow teenagers to fully occupy rentals with no parental supervision.

If you want to take a vacation without your kids…. Leave them at home!

 

[UofL]

We were there at the end of Feb. and beginning of March. It was so nice. PCB like spring break has now come to Seaside. And don't forget Fall break. Could security accompany these schools and communities to 30A? Just as utilities help other communities after storms, beach communities need help. Early curfews is a beginning. Ellen

 

[Teresa]

Maybe we should have something for teenagers to do when they are here. We hear about how much tax revenue brings in to south end but no one has provided anything for the kids to do at night. Family oriented seems to cater to adults only.

Maybe all the teenagers should stage a sit in during the middle of the afternoon and crowd the town center until 8:00pm.

There are outdoor concerts and movies on the lawn, outdoor theater, and lots of other events planned for families in the early evenings, throughout the week in many places. I think it's after dark when things get crazy in certain areas. Just a whole lot of people in town. Teens congregate as they have always done. The Sheriff's office has always worked hard to keep things under control and I appreciate it. It's hard work but necessary. Usually there are a few places where they need to maintain a presence.

 

[Beach days]

There’s plenty of space in sea side school grass area. Also watercolors. This is not about how many people packed into a rental home. It’s about having something for kids to do. I know when I was 16,17 years old . 8 o’clock curfew wouldn’t have worked, just like kids now it’s not fair for them to come on vacation then be told to go home at 8

 

[Matt J]

There’s plenty of space in sea side school grass area. Also watercolors. This is not about how many people packed into a rental home. It’s about having something for kids to do. I know when I was 16,17 years old . 8 o’clock curfew wouldn’t have worked, just like kids now it’s not fair for them to come on vacation then be told to go home at 8

These are not public property.

Why don't you suggest an activity instead of offering up the idea that someone should provide something?

 

[PoppaJ]

To expand on what Matt said, maybe the reason behind these kids causing trouble is as simple as them having poor parenting. The last thing we want to do is make them feel uncomfortable by obeying rules.