Temporary Beach Closure for Spring Break Preparation

Council Approves First Reading of Beach Closure

Panama City Beach, FL– The Panama City Beach City Council approved a first reading Thursday of Ordinance 1641, which is a temporary overnight closure of a portion of the sandy beach on the east end, in preparation for Spring Break crowds.

The closure is from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. from March 15 to April 30, and covers the area from Churchwell Drive (Public Beach Access 36) to Shark Lane (Beach Access 25). The closure, which is supported by businesses in that area, includes Shores of Panama and Pineapple Willy’s, and stops short of Boardwalk Beach Resort.

“This is nothing new,” said Capt. John Deegins. “We’ve done this the last couple of years. By closing this highly congested area, we’ve been able to reduce the number of calls in this area and spread out our assets to other areas of the beach. Last year we saw a 90 percent decrease in officer time in this portion of the beach because of this closure.”

The closure is based on an analysis of data collected over the last three seasons, which highlighted significant safety concerns compared to other areas of the sandy beach. 

“Public safety always has been, and always will be, our number one priority,” said Mayor Mark Sheldon.

The second reading, and expected final approval of the temporary overnight beach closure, will occur during the March 14 City Council meeting. The Council meets at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway. All Council meetings are broadcast live on the City’s Facebook page and this website.