TikTok content creator “Tayflawda” said he never intended to cause any problems or push for illegal activities when he recently posted social media videos online calling for people to “take over” Pensacola Beach.
In his initial videos, Tayflawda or Tay, a Pensacola area man in his early 20s who prefers to go by his social media handle, invited “everyone” to Pensacola Beach for a “takeover.”
“Yo, what’s up? It’s your boy, Tayflawda,” he said in his video, “and make sure y’all come out to the beach May 2. Everybody’s coming. Let’s get it packed and stacked.”
The News Journal spoke with Tay about the videos, and he said it’s not an organized “event, party, or takeover,” but rather a casual “link up” for folks who follow him on social media to get everyone together “to have a good time.”
However, that’s not how many people saw it and warned Tay any move to “take over” Pensacola Beach would not fly.
Tayflawda has more than 200 followers, but hundreds more responded in the comments and video shares.
“Find another beach,” one commenter told him.
“I’ll repost to the cops!! Your (sic) welcome,” said another.
“Some of those Florida sheriffs don’t act the way they do in other states tread carefully,” another commenter warned.
Tay continued to post several more videos about the takeover, addressing plans to “shut it down” and attempting to clarify that “nothing negative” was planned.
Some folks supported the call to action.
“I think it’s hilarious how people have turned a big fun beach get together making it seem like everyone’s trying to meet up to go cause problems when the beach is big,” a woman said. “It’s a great place to have everybody come together.”
Still, Tay’s videos also caught the attention of local leaders and the authorities in part because of problems in Pensacola’s past with crowds of young people converging on parts of the beach and causing property damage, fights and shootings.
Law enforcement says Pensacola Beach hasn’t seen problems like that in many years and, in fact, this past Spring Break they only dealt with a handful of alleged lawbreakers, and all were local.
“With all the foot traffic and all the people visiting, we had four trespassing charges and four battery arrests and that was it,” Sgt. Melony Peterson with the Escambia Sheriff’s Office said. “We’ve been made aware (of Tayflawda’s event). He’s very vague, and nine times out of 10, I think they just want some attention.”
However, if there are any problems, Peterson said county and local leaders are prepared.
“We don’t anticipate any, but we’re always ready,” she said.
“Takeovers” causing chaos elsewhere in Florida
There’s a reason why authorities take “takeover” events seriously.
With the advent of social media, other Florida communities saw problems over Spring Break with calls for unsanctioned “takeover events.”
In Panama City Beach on April 8, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office shut down what they said was an illegal street takeover including people street racing, blocking intersections and getting rowdy.
Five people were arrested and five vehicles were seized.
In March, Daytona Beach also dealt with a series of unpermitted, social media-organized takeover gatherings that led to widespread chaos including over 130 arrests, and a citywide state of emergency.
Local authorities have since responded with a permanent crackdown on unsanctioned events through curfews, special event zones, and civil lawsuits against promoters.
Escambia Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, who represents Pensacola Beach, said it’s important to stay on top of calls to action like this because of where it can lead.
“I’m working with the sheriff’s office and the Santa Rosa Island Authority to make sure that our beaches remain safe and accessible,” Hofberger said. “We want a welcoming and enjoyable place for residents and visitors.”
Taking down the “takeover”
Online and in person, Tay has stopped calling the “link up” a “takeover,” saying it’s “nothing crazy like that,” but he’s still encouraging people to come out for a “good time.”
The young man grew up in the Pensacola area and says he wants to be a social media influencer and use the platform to promote the city and local businesses.
He has also changed the date for the “chill link” from May 2 to May 3 due to rain in the forecast, and told people to “keep the drama at home,” if they’re planning to come and cause trouble with drugs, violence or underage drinking.
He would like to see people of all races, ages, and walks of life come out together.
“I got a lot of people commenting that they don’t want the event thrown,” he said in a follow up video. “I just want to tell them that we’re just going to chill, have a good time. We’re not out there to cause no trouble, and they’re all invited and they should come have fun with us.”
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Calls for Pensacola Beach ‘takeover’ on TikTok met with pushback
Reporting by Mollye Barrows, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
