PANAMA CITY BEACH ― Those wanting to take a midnight stroll along the beach will have to wait a couple more weeks before stepping foot onto two portions of the sandy coast.
According to past reports, a temporary overnight beach closure is still in effect for two portions of the beach. They will remain closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. until April 30. Here’s what we know about the closures:
What beaches close overnight?
The portions of the beach that will close overnight until April 30 span from Beach Access 25 to Beach access 36, as well as from Beach Access 58 to the east end property line of the Calypso Condominiums.
The closure was finalized by the Panama City Beach City Council in a meeting on March 12.
What’s the purpose?
Officials have said the closures are designed to prevent large, unruly gatherings on the beach during overnight hours. Such gatherings, dubbed pop-up events, have occurred in past years and overwhelmed local law enforcement.
The closures help the Panama City Beach Police Department better utilize its officers throughout the area.
“In anticipation of the large Spring Break crowds, the Panama City Beach City Council enacted an ordinance that temporarily prohibits beach access on portions of the Sandy Gulf Beach at night,” PCB’s website reads.
Any penalties or fines?
According to the city’s website, the temporary overnight beach closures in Panama City Beach are not just suggestions.
Violations can be fined up to $500 and be imprisoned for up to 30 days.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Overnight beach closures still in effect in parts of Panama City Beach
Reporting by Nathan Cobb, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
