Latest news with #Talamantez
USA Today
30-04-2025
- USA Today
The business of spring break: Why some entrepreneurs are fighting for tourism dollars
The business of spring break: Why some entrepreneurs are fighting for tourism dollars Show Caption Hide Caption Bench press and Panama City Beach vibes: Spring break gets stronger Animal, a sports and fitness nutrition brand, held a three-day spring break strength and fitness challenge on The Beach March 19-21. Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez stated that the city can no longer be a spring break destination due to increasing challenges and safety concerns. Local residents expressed mixed opinions, with some supporting the change due to crime and others concerned about the negative impact on local businesses. Local officials, including the mayor and sheriff, acknowledged the need to address safety issues and plan to engage in community discussions to find solutions. Recent shootings and other criminal activity during spring break have fueled the debate about the future of spring break tourism in Panama City Beach. Florida's Bay County locals are reacting to the spring break comments of Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez. In an April 13 Facebook post, Talamantez says Panama City Beach can no longer be a spring break town. "Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town. That time is over. Every year we try to manage it, and every year it brings more challenges," Talamantez wrote in the post. "I'm not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works." "Let me be clear, our law enforcement officers should not be expected to shoulder the burden of an event that no longer aligns with the values or vision of this community," Talamantez added. "It's unfair to continue placing that weight on the backs of the men and women who serve and protect this city every day." Roy Denton, a Bay County local, said: 'I think it's a good idea for our town to become a non-spring break destination because these shootings are getting ridiculous.' That was a reference to shootings in the Panama City Beach Pier Park area on March 29 and April 3. During an April 4 press conference, Sheriff Tommy Ford made comments on behalf of the entire Bay County community. "Our community is tired of this," Ford said. "This is not the place to do this. This community has been through a lot in relation to the crimes you see before you today. Do not come down here with the intent to do criminal activity." In case you missed it: FBI warns of spring break getaway risks by 'Maintaining vigilance throughout your travels' Panama City Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, condos and attractions. There are various local businesses that thrive due to PCB's status as a dominant spring break destination. "I think that Panama City Beach not being a spring break town would hurt local businesses," said April Bell, also Bay County local. "I'm a condo owner myself, so I think that those of us who own short-term rentals would be severely affected by Panama City Beach not being a spring break town." "I don't think that (discouraging spring break tourism) is a good idea for various reasons," said Hajile Mitto Smith, another Bay County local. "First, someone who works in the hospitality industry would be greatly affected. Second, I make a lot of tips around this time and we as a local community work in a very seasonal place. Third, if this town is a hot tourist destination, what's the point of not having tourists during the busiest time of the year?" The News Herald reached out to PCB Mayor Stuart Tettemer for his take on the matter. "I'm fully committed to making Panama City Beach as safe as it can be for the people who live here and those who visit," Tettemer said. "I support our law enforcement and am working with those who care about keeping the beach safe and strong." "I don't understand how Panama City Beach not being a spring break town would work," said Austin Minshew, a Bay County local. "As a local, I kind of see it from both perspectives. If you're a local, there would be less traffic, and our beaches would not be so chaotic. Our town would be safer. "As a business owner myself, a lot of small businesses are not going to be around if Panama City Beach is not a spring break town," Minshew added. "A lot of these businesses are the reason why Panama City Beach is so well-known. We would lose a lot of money." Sheriff Ford expressed some other thoughts on Facebook. "Spring break still draws some visitors with bad intentions — folks bringing guns, starting fights, or disrupting our community," Ford wrote. "We're committed to deterring this behavior and ensuring everyone feels secure. In the coming weeks, we'll need open discussion and honest debate with residents, business owners and community leaders to sharpen our strategies." "To those who choose to bring harm, know this: we are vigilant, united and unwavering," said Ford. "Our deputies and officers will always stand ready to protect this community we love." Dylan Gentile contributed
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Word spreads quickly: National, international media pick up on PCB police chief's spring break comments
PANAMA CITY BEACH — A lot of local people and local media are talking about the Panama City Beach police chief's spring break comments. But some national and international media have chimed in, as well. 'Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town. That time is over. Every year we try to manage it, and every year it brings more challenges,' Talamantez wrote in an April 13 Facebook post. 'I'm not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works.' "Let me be clear, our law enforcement officers should not be expected to shoulder the burden of an event that no longer aligns with the values or vision of this community," Talamantez added. "It's unfair to continue placing that weight on the backs of the men and women who serve and protect this city every day." These comments have garnered national and international attention from the media. (Links to the stories are included in the online version of this article.) "Florida spring break town done with college crowds: 'That time is over,' reads the headline on a New York Post story published online on April 17. The Daily Mail wrote about the remarks on April 16 with a story headlined "Gorgeous Florida beach city permanently BANS spring break after latest festivities descended into violence." in Alabama had a story online April 13. Get The Coast wrote about the remarks on April 14th. The Times in the United Kingdom wrote about the remarks on April 25 with an article that included this subhead: "Florida's Panama City Beach, scene of beer-soaked debauchery for decades, has had to contend with drugs, gangs and riots. The locals have had enough." People Magazine wrote about the remarks on April 16. Many locals around Bay County have offered varying opinions on the police chief's message. From USA TODAY: Panama City Beach police say town is done with spring break: 'Go somewhere else' "I think that Panama City Beach not being a spring break town would hurt local businesses," April Bell, a Bay County local, told the News Herald for a story published online April 20. "I'm a condo owner myself, so I think that those of us who own short-term rentals would be severely affected by Panama City Beach not being a spring break town." Previous Coverage: 'We would lose a lot of money': Some locals not so sure about discouraging spring break Roy Denton, a Bay County local, said in the article: 'I think it's a good idea for our town to become a non-spring break destination because these shootings are getting ridiculous.' dcsmith@ This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach, Florida's spring break woes get national/international media treatment
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Spring Break era ends for popular Florida beach town?
The Brief PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - A well-known Florida spring break hotspot is no longer welcoming the annual influx of college students, according to the town's chief law enforcement officer. What they're saying On Sunday, Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez announced on social media that the city is officially stepping away from its reputation as a Spring Break destination. "Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town. That time is over," Talamantez wrote. "Every year we try to manage it, and every year it brings more challenges. I'm not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works." Talamantez said they will be having "serious discussions" in the coming weeks with takeholders and city leadership "about the future of the Spring Break season." "No plan will fix this overnight, but we have to start somewhere. And we have to start now," the police chier said. "Panama City Beach is a safe, family-focused community. We've worked too hard to build that, and I won't let a group of criminals destroy it," he added. The backstory The city has long been a hot spot for college students looking to catch some sun in March and April, but also for the trouble that comes along with thousands of visitors. For several years, the police department has used various strategies to deter spring break crime. In 2023, police deployed K-9s to combat drug use and leaned on surveillance cameras in an attempt to keep revelers under control. In 2022, police arrested more than 160 people during a spring break incident when hundreds trashed a Walmart. They seized 75 guns from that case alone. That same year, spring breakers were so raucous police closed two miles of city streets. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Panama City Beach Police Department and FOX News reporting.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Popular Florida beach tells spring breakers to take a hike
As spring break season continues, Panama City Beach, one of the country's most popular spring break towns, is telling visitors they're not wanted. The city's police chief said they are displeased with the behavior of many people who have already visited Panama City Beach this year. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez declared that Panama City Beach 'can no longer be a Spring Break town. 'That time is over,' he said in a recent social media post. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Talamantez said they have seen instances of people firing gunshots over 'social media drama.' 'If you came with guns, bad intentions, and no respect for this city, we saw you,' Talamantez stated in the post. 'You thought you could blend in and get away with it. You were wrong. Our officers were ready, and many of you ended up in handcuffs.' As Spring Break season began ramping up, Talamantez issued a strict warning to those coming to the area: follow the law or face the consequences. He said the city would be instituting strict rules, including a curfew, security checkpoints and trespassing enforcement. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read Talamantez's entire message to spring breakers below: Dear Spring Breakers and Our Community, Let me start by thanking those who did things the right way. To the future doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, and leaders who came here for a break, you're appreciated. You made memories, enjoyed the beach, and showed respect. Most of you went home without problems, and that's exactly how it should be. Now to the others, the ones who came here to bring trouble. If you came with guns, bad intentions, and no respect for this city, we saw you. You thought you could blend in and get away with it. You were wrong. Our officers were ready, and many of you ended up in handcuffs. Some of you fired shots over petty arguments and social media drama. And when the cuffs went on, the tough act disappeared. Our officers didn't see hardened criminals. They saw scared kids crying in the interview room. TikTok doesn't show that part, but our body cameras do. To our community—here's where I stand. Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town. That time is over. Every year we try to manage it, and every year it brings more challenges. I'm not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works. And let me be clear, our law enforcement officers should not be expected to shoulder the burden of an event that no longer aligns with the values or vision of this community. It's unfair to continue placing that weight on the backs of the men and women who serve and protect this city every day. In the coming weeks, we will be having serious discussions with stakeholders and city leadership about the future of the Spring Break season. I'm confident they share this same concern. No plan will fix this overnight, but we have to start somewhere. And we have to start now. Panama City Beach is a safe, family-focused community. We've worked too hard to build that, and I won't let a group of criminals destroy it. To the good visitors, you'll always be welcome. To the idiots, go somewhere else. Chief J.R. Talamantez Semper Fi Read: Duval teacher concerned she has measles, turned away from being tested: What you should know Read: Palatka pastor arrested, accused of sexual assault against a child Read: Duval County Public Schools employee arrested, accused of abusing student [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Popular beach spot ‘can no longer be a Spring Break town,' police chief says
A popular spring break location wants travelers to go somewhere else. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez told our sister station, WSB TV in Atlanta, that they are not happy with the behavior of some visitors. He added that Panama City Beach, 'can no longer be a Spring Break town.' TRENDING STORIES: Plane runs out of fuel, makes emergency landing in cornfield, OSHP says Busy street closed after reported motorcycle crash in Dayton Man accused of shooting, killing man outside of bar; Defense says prosecutors have wrong guy Talamantez told WSB that he saw many instances of people firing gunshots over 'social media drama.' 'I'm not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works,' Talamantez said. 'Our law enforcement officers should not be expected to shoulder the burden of an event that no longer aligns with the values or vision of this community.' Talamantez added that 'Panama City Beach is a safe, family-focused community,' WSB reports. 'We've worked too hard to build that, and I won't let a group of criminals destroy it,' he said. The Bay County Sheriff's Office has also increased its efforts to stop the influx of vacationers and violence during the spring. They said they are focused on travelers who bring guns, start fights, or disrupt the community. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
