PCB Spring Break Safety Plan

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PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL – As the 2025 Spring Break season begins on March 1st, the City of Panama City Beach Police Department (PCBPD) announces an array of public safety measures designed to ramp up safety and ensure an enjoyable environment for both residents and visitors. In a united front with local and state law enforcement agencies, the PCBPD held a press conference on Thursday to communicate key messages about Spring Breaking in Panama City Beach.

Increased Public Safety Presence and Response The PCBPD is increasing law enforcement presence throughout the community during Spring Break. The public will see an increased focus on the beach, around well-known Spring Break activity locations, and City-paid parking lots. Coordination and communication with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, neighboring agencies, and state law enforcement will provide additional resources to maintain order. A zero-tolerance policy will be strictly enforced on underage drinking, drug possession, DUI, disorderly conduct, and other violations. Officers will be strategically deployed to ensure rapid response times to incidents.
Ordinance Enforcement and Changes As in past years during Spring Break, the City is reinforcing its commitment to ordinance enforcement, particularly on the beach. Laws prohibiting drinking on the sandy beach, the use of glass containers, and overnight camping on the sandy beach will be strictly upheld. Efforts will intensify to curb excessive noise, including loud music heard from over 25 feet away, and disturbing the peace. Officers will be strictly enforcing traffic and parking regulations, towing policies, unpaid parking violations, and expired vehicle registrations.
Criminal Activity and Preventative Measures Aggressive undercover operations will be utilized to provide an increased focus on drug-related issues. Advanced surveillance technology, including license plate readers, will be deployed to deter and track criminal activity. A specialized Spring Break Task Force will be dedicated to maintaining order and preventing crime during this peak season.
Balancing Tourism with Quality of Life for ResidentsPanama City Beach enjoys the benefits of being a premier, tourist destination. While the City supports family-friendly tourism, it strives to prioritize safety and maintain a high quality of lifefor PCB residents. PCBPD’s outreach and partnerships with bars, clubs, and hotels aim to provide response and adherence to city laws. While visitors are encouraged to enjoy all that the City has to offer, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Communication: See Something? Say Something. Law enforcement officials encourage residents and visitors to play an active role in maintaining safety by reporting any suspicious activity through Bay County Crime Stoppers or direct police contact (850) 233-5000. A comprehensive public awareness campaign, featuring social media safety messaging, hotel flyers, and digital billboards, will remind visitors of the rules before they arrive and during their stay.

Mayor Stuart Tettemer encouraged all who visit PCB to have a great time while prioritizing safety. “Panama City Beach welcomes visitors and we encourage everyone to enjoy our beautiful destination responsibly,” said Tettemer. “Our hardworking first responders put these measures in place to ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable experience while preserving the high quality of life for our residents.”

For more information and updates, please visit www.pcbfl.gov and follow @cityofpcbfl on social media.