Panama City Beach may close a portion of the beach overnight during key spring break weeks
PANAMA CITY BEACH — Local officials say data proves that temporarily limiting beach access during spring break reduces crime.
In a meeting on Thursday, members of the Panama City Beach City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to temporarily close a portion of the sandy beach from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. from March 15 to April 30.
The affected region of the coast spans from Churchwell Drive to Shark Lane.
"This is nothing new," said Capt. John Deegins of the Panama City Beach Police Department. "This is the same thing we did last year. From the year 2022, we showed a 90% decrease in the amount of time our officers had to spend in 2023 (in the area) because of the closure."
Deegins said that along with reducing crime through the area, the temporary overnight closure allows the department to better use its resources and officers in other areas of the Beach.
He and other leaders said it also adds a layer of protection for local businesses in the area.
"I know the business community and the residents are all very supportive of this," Mayor Mark Sheldon said. "Public safety always has been and always will be our No. 1 priority. There's nothing more important."
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According to the meeting's agenda, penalties for breaking the ordinance include up to a $500 fine or 30 days in jail.
"I think results matter, and from a police perspective, we've had good results with this," Councilman Michael Jarman said.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach may close part of beach overnight during spring
