Panama City Beach appears to be following in the footsteps of Miami Beach, signaling a clear shift away from its long-standing identity as a spring break hotspot.

In a public Facebook message to both residents and visitors, Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said the city can no longer manage the influx of disruptive crowds that typically arrive during the season.

“Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town. That time is over,” Talamantez wrote. “Each year we try to manage it, and each year the challenges grow. I won’t jeopardize the safety of our city for a tradition that no longer serves us.”

While acknowledging that many tourists behaved respectfully, the police chief noted a concerning trend among others who arrived “with guns, bad intentions, and no respect for this city.”

“Some individuals fired shots over trivial disputes and social media feuds,” Talamantez added. “When arrests were made, the bravado vanished. Our officers saw not hardened criminals, but frightened young people. TikTok won’t show that part—but our body cameras do.”

Talamantez emphasized that the spring break scene is increasingly at odds with the city’s values and is taking a toll on law enforcement personnel.

“In the coming weeks, we’ll be engaging in serious conversations with city leaders and community stakeholders about the future of Spring Break,” he said. “I believe they share the same concerns.”

Though the city may move away from its party-town image, Talamantez reassured that respectful visitors will always be welcome.

“To the good visitors—you’re always appreciated,” he concluded. “To the troublemakers—find somewhere else to go.”

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(Image credit: Heather Leipart/AP)

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