A Panama City Beach resident is pleading with tourists to avoid his city this spring break because of the stricter rules that young vacationers have seen in recent years.
• Read more: Quebecers were “encouraged” upon arrival in Florida.
Between the early 2000s and 2015, the city of more than 10,000 people in the northwest of the state attracted thousands of young people who came to celebrate spring break from February to April.
Randy Burkett, who worked at two bars during this period, saw it all.
The companies where the American worked were located very close to the beach, where completely “crazy” parties took place from morning to early morning.
Photo taken from TikTok | @randigaylord_
University students blockaded the city to drink on the beach, a practice banned throughout March.
According to a Panama City Beach resident, Bay County authorities cracked down on partygoers after several illegal activities, he said in a TikTok video.
The increased use of social media in the 2010s allowed police officers to trace activities during these holidays, he adds.
In 2015, a gang-rape allegedly took place on the beach, where “hundreds” of partygoers witnessed the horror, “CNN” reported.
The woman was drugged before being raped in broad daylight, officials said, adding that this is not the first case.
That same year, a house where a party was being held was opened fire, injuring seven people, the Florida-Times Union reported.
“According to US media, the situation in Panama City Beach actually worsened in 2015. […] “There's always been crime in the city during spring break, including people getting too drunk or falling off balconies,” the American said.
In the winter of 2016, Bay County police officials announced a series of measures to restore law and order, including fining families and tourists, according to a former employee.
Alcohol consumption has been banned in all city beaches in March.
Gatherings are prohibited in commercial parking lots, and alcohol cannot be sold after 2 a.m.
According to the content creator, these measures dealt a severe blow to restaurant and bar owners.
However, the woman laments that although these measures have improved the quality of life of the residents, they have not been fixed.
