PANAMA CITY BEACH − With spring break looming, many locals wonder whether Panama City Beach is still a “spring break town.”
The question persists because of Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez’s comments last year after a rough spring break in 2025.
“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 a 2025 Facebook 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.”
The chief’s comments went viral nationwide. This year, when asked about his 2025 comments, the chief clarified his position.
“The spring break we saw for the first two weeks in April (2025), we cannot be that town,” Talamantez said recently. “That spring break needs to be canceled.”
“If you’re coming here for collegiate spring break and you want to take a break from your studies… we welcome you,” Talamantez clarified. “But if you’re coming here for spring break and you haven’t read a book since ‘Cat in the Hat’, or (if you’re here) because you don’t go to school… No, that is not the individual that we want to try to victimize our community.”
We have heard what the chief has to say, and now we want to see what you think. Do you believe that Panama City Beach is a spring break town?
Take our poll at newsherald.com and let us know. The poll will close at noon on Feb. 25. We will publish a story later with the results.
dcsmith@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Take our poll: Is Panama City Beach a spring break town?
Reporting by DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
