Bay police agencies say they won't tolerate spring break 'nonsense' from 'stupid people'

PANAMA CITY BEACH − Law enforcement officials say they will not tolerate criminal behavior any time of the year, especially during spring break.

In a Thursday news conference at the Panama City Beach Police Department, Chief J.R. Talamantez and leaders from other law enforcement agencies in Bay County said they are gearing up to tackle the influx of tourists who will inevitably flock to the area this spring break season.

"We do not have a crystal ball, (and) we cannot control who comes to town," Talamantez said. "We can only control what happens to someone when they commit a crime. ... Last year, we saw a lot of nonsense committed by a bunch of stupid people.

"If those stupid people want to come back down here and do stupid things again, they're going to be met with the same professional police presence they were met with last year."

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More than 160 people were arrested throughout Bay County on March 26 and 27 in connection to "Panamaniac," a chaotic and unsanctioned event that gained traction on social media and brought waves of unruly tourists to the Panama City Beach area.

Those arrested racked up almost 260 combined charges, of which more than 70 involved drugs, 60 involved guns and 15 involved alcohol.

Talamantez said he is aware of flyers circulating on the internet for similar events this year. He noted spring break crowds will likely be heaviest from March 10 to April 10, with the peak time being the last week in March.

"This is not our first rodeo," Talamantez said. "We've been dealing with spring break for many, many years now. ... If (you) think you're going to come to Panama City Beach (during) spring break and do whatever the heck you want to do, trust me, you are wrong."

Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said his department also will help ensure there will be no take-over events this year in Panama City Beach and across the rest of the county.

He and Talamantez also said they are proud of the partnerships between law agencies throughout the county.

"(We're) going to put every resource available to make sure that the people who come here obey the law," Ford said. "We had a very tough situation last year, and I think the citizens saw the commitment we have to keeping this place safe.

"We've got a real fun beach here ... but we don't have a real fun jail."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay law enforcement leaders issue a warning to spring break law-breakers