The business of spring break: Why some entrepreneurs are fighting for tourism dollars
- 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."
Panama City Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, condos and attractions. Various local businesses thrive due to the city'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 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."
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," Ford said. "Our deputies and officers will always stand ready to protect this community we love."
Contributing: Dylan Gentile, Panama City News Herald