I heard a recurring comment from the locals "Have you made it over to 30A yet?" said my Lyft driver "You've got to — it's the up-and-coming spot around here." While purchasing tickets for the Shell Island Ferry "Do you have plans to go over to 30A?" When I said no she insisted I return to the area for a trip because it's just so beautiful I live in a different Florida beach town that often gets inundated with spring breakers and summer beachgoers so I couldn't decide if Panama City Beach locals were trying to run tourists out of town or if they really meant what they said about 30A Turns out, those locals were right. I think 30A is one of the best gems in Florida and I liked it even more than Panama City Beach Panama City Beach reminds me of the beach towns I grew up visiting in the Northeast: lots of souvenir shops and more tourist attractions than one could squeeze in during a vacation There's lots of good food in PCB, including a crepe shop adored by reviewers on Yelp but I'd say the general vibe of the area can best be described as "touristy beach town." The landscape changes entirely when you drive just 15 or 20 minutes to 30A High-rise hotel chains become private rental cottages and souvenir shops give way to luxury shopping venues The overall vibe switches from a busy vacation spot to a place where you'd do beachfront yoga and sip freshly pressed juice before spending your day on a quiet The beaches alongside 30A communities like Rosemary Beach and Seaside are home to white sand and transparent blue water you need a wristband or beach tag — visitors can get these from whichever rental property they're occupying I think the beaches benefit from the lack of large nearby hotels and public access resulting in a beautiful setting that feels more intimate There are some spectacular sunsets along the Gulf of Mexico I especially loved watching the sunset from Bud and Alley's a Seaside restaurant with sweeping coastal views I watched the sun set from the beach and was equally blown away by the beauty around me I chose a rental property between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach with ample spacious sidewalks and bike lanes throughout Lots of condos or hotels here come with bicycles plus there are many rental companies in the area I took a beach cruiser from my condo over to Rosemary Beach for coffee or a meal or I'd bike down 30A and stop to explore each town I drove to some of the farther-away-from-me spots and the area was simple to navigate by car with my phone's GPS system a beach community where the movie "The Truman Show" was filmed a small boardwalk area with shops and restaurants It felt relaxed and not too pretentious, but more upscale than Florida beach towns like Fort Lauderdale and it's the spot along 30A where I saw the most families with children If Seaside is a family-friendly-but-upscale beach town Alys Beach is on the opposite end of the luxury vacation spectrum This small community is filled with white-washed stone vacation homes and Mediterranean-inspired architecture — it felt like a big resort there's nothing comparable to Alys Beach in Florida that I've seen Because of its stunning homes and high-end feel Alys Beach feels like one of the least-accessible-to-the-public areas in 30A especially because I saw so many residential streets with signs prohibiting the public from walking through or taking photos If you're interested in vacationing in a more private area of 30A Rosemary Beach has made its rounds on TikTok going viral for its similarities to a little European town Its downtown area is lined with cobblestone streets full of shops and al-fresco eateries and it has a hotel complete with spires that reminded me of something I'd see in the Swiss Alps I passed many street carts selling wares like scarves and fresh flowers and homes with European-style architecture The area also has beautiful private beaches which can only be accessed with a key card and Rosemary Beach are perhaps the most famous spots along 30A but I was impressed with the lesser-known areas I visited You truly could make an entire day out of exploring the tiny towns and communities that make up this beautiful part of Florida I stopped by Eden Gardens during my visit — a 163-acre state park home to sweeping gardens The area also has a collection of coastal dune lakes a rare saltwater and freshwater phenomenon that only exists in a few spots around the globe I've lived in Florida for nearly 10 years and call a small ocean beach town home As someone who's spent time on both the gulf and ocean side of the Sunshine State I can say 30A is one of the most stunningly beautiful areas in all of Florida and it has a peaceful vibe I've rarely found in Florida beach towns I can't wait to return to 30A and think it's the perfect destination for everything from bachelorette parties to family vacations PANAMA CITY BEACH — Daryl Paul attributes his department's success to a proactive approach As beach safety director for the Panama City Beach Fire Rescue Paul noted on May 2 that lifeguards with his department so far this year had performed more than 23,200 preventative actions the Beach already had logged about 7,000 preventative actions more than a dozen rescues and one drowning "It just all goes back to the lifeguards," Paul said "The fact that rescues are down and public assists are down means lifeguards are proactively preventing these issues We're trying to stay a step ahead of the game we've kind of been behind the eight ball or right with it." Preventative actions are when a lifeguard educates a beachgoer to prevent them from needing assistance Public assists are when a lifeguard enters the water to prevent someone from needing to be rescued Rescues are when someone is pulled from the water who likely would have otherwise drowned Past reports note seven people drowned last year while swimming in the Gulf off the coast of Bay County All were tourists who died after being caught in rip currents or fast-moving currents created by channels in sandbars Three of the 2024 drownings happened within the city limits of Panama City Beach The four other drownings happened off unincorporated Bay County beaches Paul has said two of the most important things beachgoers can do to prevent a water emergency is follow the beach flag warning system and swim under the supervision of lifeguards lifeguards are stationed in towers near the Russell-Fields Pier There also are roving lifeguards that cover other portions of the city's coast Common colors used in beach flag warning systems include a green flag for low hazard conditions a yellow flag for medium hazard conditions one red flag for high hazard conditions and two red flags for very dangerous conditions Local officials believe beachgoers should be cautious anytime they enter the Gulf It also is illegal year round in Bay County to enter the Gulf under double-red-flag conditions Flag colors are based on the strength of rip currents These currents run perpendicular to the shoreline causing water to funnel faster out into deeper waters Rips can sometimes be identified from shore where there is a gap in the wave break — areas where the white caps of the breaks are less noticeable Upcoming event: Bay County Commission OKs race route for IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast in PCB on May 10 the beach safety department had nine full-time lifeguards working to protect the coast All come with health insurance and a pension "My hope is that everyone just takes the water seriously and treats the Gulf with respect," Paul said heed the warnings of lifeguards and stay on dry sand "The lifeguards are only there to try and make our beaches safer." Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show / Steven Bridges PANAMA CITY BEACH — Cinco de Mayo is one of most celebrated events in the United States It’s time to start thinking about where to go to celebrate on May 5 Here’s a list of just some of the Cinco de Mayo events and celebrations going on in Bay County: The restaurant's three locations will have music starting Sunday "We’re talkin’ margs all day. DJs at every location. And the kind of fiesta that’ll make you wanna call in Tuesday," Diego's says on its Facebook page. Senor Frog'sOn Facebook promises "specials and music all day and night long" on Monday Get 2 for $5 tacos at AutentiKa Mexican Grille with $5 margaritas Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at El Jalisco Panama CityMonday Have a drink and celebrate Cinco de Mayo at El Jalisco Get street tacos for $10 and chips & guac for $5 Dinko de Mayo Pickleball Social & Sombrero ChallengeMonday Join Papa Joe's Pickleball and the Panhandle Pickleball Club for a rotating partner round robin social event Food trucks will be available and the Sombrero Challenge will begin at 7 p.m Spring break: The business of spring break: Why some entrepreneurs are fighting for tourism dollars May 5 and live music from Anne Cline 6-10 p.m May 5 as part of a big Cinco de Mayo celebration Party at Neons Beach Shack where there will $5 food and drink specials all day PANAMA CITY BEACH ― Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show will host hiring events on May 6-7 “I told my management crew that it’s time for the next step to get Pirates Voyage ready to open and that’s to get the cast and crew on board,” Dolly Parton said in a March 27 release “As we continue preparing everything for this exciting first season I want everything ‘ship-shape,’ and that starts with having the best crew And who wouldn’t want to work with pirates and mermaids and me as we ‘set sail’ on our first Pirates Voyage down here in Panama City Beach!” Pirates Voyage offers benefits such as health dental and vision along with other supporting coverages Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show will have its grand opening June 1 In February, tickets went on sale for show dates starting on June 1 at piratesvoyage.com The menu for the four-course pirate feast also was revealed Previous Coverage: The wait is nearly over: Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show grand opening is June 1 Positions will be open for the entire length of the 2025 operating season. Opportunities for each position are available on the Pirates Voyage website at  piratesvoyage.com A northwest Florida city is declaring that its time as a hotspot for spring breakers has come to an end saying it "can no longer be a Spring Break town." said they are calling it quits when it comes to spring break "Every year we try to manage it, and every year it brings more challenges," Panama City Beach Police Department Chief Eusebio Talamantez (J.R.) said in an April 13 statement on Facebook "I’m not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works." Talamantez said the city's "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." "It’s unfair to continue placing that weight on the backs of the men and women who serve and protect this city every day," he added Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford, in a statement on Facebook said over 200 officers from the sheriff’s office and our state law enforcement partners were deployed during the busy spring break The authorities faced "risks head-on to protect our residents To punish those "who came here to bring trouble" with "guns and no respect for this city," Talamantez said his officers and team caught several who thought they "could blend in and get away with it," adding many of them ended up in handcuffs and crying in the interview room "Some of you fired shots over petty arguments and social media drama," Talamantez said Our officers didn’t see hardened criminals They saw scared kids crying in the interview room Ford said despite efforts by authorities to maintain harmony during the season "spring break still draws some visitors with bad intentions—folks bringing guns While Ford did not explicitly cancel spring break he said his office is looking forward to working with the city administration business owners and community leaders to sharpen strategies to deter bad behavior and ensure everyone feels secure The police chief said he plans to hold "serious discussions with stakeholders and city leadership," about the future of spring break season "no longer aligns with the values or vision of this community." family-focused community," Talamantez said and I won’t let a group of criminals destroy it." Panama City Beach Mayor Stuart Tettemer told Panama City News Herald, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK that his administration is "fully committed to making Panama City Beach as safe as it can be for the people who live here and those who visit." "I support our law enforcement and am working with those who care about keeping the beach safe and strong," Tettemer told The News Herald he thanked those "who did things the right way," and appreciated "future doctors Last year, Miami Beach, another spring break hotspot, had said they were "breaking up" with spring break following a chaotic season "We're breaking up with spring break," the Miami Beach website had said security searches and bag checks at beach access points road closures and arrests for drug possession and violence." This year, the city released a reality television-style scripted video to warn visitors of the strict rules in place Contributing: Dylan Gentile, Panama City News Herald / Kinsey Crowley Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7 Michael Booini boo media llc/Destination Panama City -- Police in the “Spring Break Capital Of The World” say the party is over Both the Panama City Beach and Bay County Sheriff's Office posted lengthy social messages about the dangers their spring break culture is having on the community Panama City Beach made changes a decade ago to address the wild crowds The sheriff says there's been progress with more visitors but as the Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R the "idiots" can go somewhere else In a scathing social media post over the weekend "Panama City Beach can no longer be a beach town The post comes in response to many arrests made over the last month for underage drinking, fighting and firing weapons Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford doubled down on the message insisting they're attracting the wrong kind of visitors for an annual tradition "Spring break still draws some visitors with bad intentions -- folks bringing guns or disrupting our community," Ford said It's unclear how much mayhem was caused during spring break If the spring breakers are turned away from Panama City what will keep them from migrating west to other local beaches Destin is roughly 50 miles from Panama City Beach The Okaloosa County Sheriff's office tells WEAR News it's not immune from the rowdy crowds With around 500 arrests made this year around Destin WEAR News was told that number is actually below normal The sheriff's office says it's a testament to their zero tolerance policy Multiple arrests were caught on camera at Pensacola Beach this spring break though WEAR News was told both incidents were isolated Sheriff Chip Simmons says a few problems arose this year and there are two key components to help that -- manpower and messaging The sheriff says once a beach becomes known for looser rules Getting out in front of the problem is key "We don't really cater to the wild crowds that come to the beach and cause problems," Simmons said how much overtime dollars we have to spend "There's a difference between having fun and committing a crime," he said "There's a difference between enjoying spring break and not being considerate of others." Escambia County Commissioner Ashley Hofberger says the vision for Pensacola Beach just simply doesn't fit the mold for an out-of-control spring break season "You look at our hoteliers and events we bring in we really focus on that family unit," Hofberger said She suggests Pensacola Beach doesn't cater to the type of visitors that raise problems in Panama City Beach "The beach does so much for our economy so much for the community," said Hofberger "Fifteen percent of the jobs in Escambia and Santa Rosa are from tourism which is mostly down at the beach so I want to continue to invest in that." Talamantez says they'll be having serious discussions with stakeholders and city leaders on the future of spring break season PANAMA CITY BEACH — Bay County locals are reacting to the spring break comments of Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R Talamantez says Panama City Beach can no longer be a spring break town "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 the post 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." said: ”I think it’s a good idea for our town to become a non-spring break destination because these shootings are getting ridiculous.” That was a reference to shootings in the Panama City Beach Pier Park area on March 29 and April 3 Sheriff Tommy Ford made comments on behalf of the entire Bay County community "Our community is tired of this," Ford said This community has been through a lot in relation to the crimes you see before you today Do not come down here with the intent to do criminal activity." Panama City Beach is known for its beautiful beaches There are various local businesses that thrive due to PCB's status as a dominant spring break destination "I think that Panama City Beach not being a spring break town would hurt local businesses," said April Bell so I think that those of us who own short-term rentals would be severely affected by Panama City Beach not being a spring break town." "I don't think that (discouraging spring break tourism) is a good idea for various reasons," said Hajile Mitto Smith someone who works in the hospitality industry would be greatly affected I make a lot of tips around this time and we as a local community work in a very seasonal place what's the point of not having tourists during the busiest time of the year?" The News Herald reached out to PCB Mayor Stuart Tettemer for his take on the matter "I'm fully committed to making Panama City Beach as safe as it can be for the people who live here and those who visit," Tettemer said "I support our law enforcement and am working with those who care about keeping the beach safe and strong." "I don't understand how Panama City Beach not being a spring break town would work," said Austin Minshew a lot of small businesses are not going to be around if Panama City Beach is not a spring break town," Minshew added "A lot of these businesses are the reason why Panama City Beach is so well-known Previous coverage: Police chief says: 'Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town.' Sheriff Ford expressed some other thoughts on Facebook "Spring break still draws some visitors with bad intentions — folks bringing guns "We’re committed to deterring this behavior and ensuring everyone feels secure we’ll need open discussion and honest debate with residents and community leaders to sharpen our strategies." "Our deputies and officers will always stand ready to protect this community we love." PANAMA CITY BEACH — The area's role as a spring break destination should come to an end according to Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R "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 an April 13 Facebook post In the post on the Panama City Beach Police Department's official Facebook page he says they will be working with the city and stakeholders to address the future of spring break 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," said Talamantez The statement comes on the heels of a chaotic spring break season on the beach. While the season is still winding down, the area has seen shootings and disorderly crowds. Officers reportedly seized firearms and illegal drugs at the gatherings Authorities have had measures in place for years to try and curb spring break chaos This year they went further with special event zones even creating a strict security perimeter around Pier Park An arguably large amount of resources went into security measures with interceptions on roads leading to the beach and multi-agency collaborations that sometimes reached across state lines "You thought you could blend in and get away with it Many in the Facebook comments appeared to support and share the chief's sentiment sharing anecdotes about the craziness of the 2025 spring break season The statement blew up on social media and made the rounds with local outlets Those who disagreed online seemed to cite concerns about economic loss The News Herald reached out to PCB Mayor Stuart Tettemer for his take on the matter "I'm fully committed to making Panama City Beach as safe as it can be for the people who live here and those who visit," said Tettemer The tone of communications coming out of local law enforcement and governments has been harsh on spring breakers who have been causing, or looking to cause, trouble. Tettemer had previously said that those suspected in recent shootings needed to "find God and repent." Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford also made a statement in a Facebook post albeit somewhat toned down in comparison to Talamantez's or disrupting our community," Ford wrote in the post He then listed some strategies they may later discuss with the community before finishing off with some words of action According to a report from the Bay County Tourist Development Council spring 2024 brought 550,000 visitors to PCB $141 million in short-term rental revenues Charts attached to the report show a spike in occupancy at short-term rentals and hotels during the last week of March and first week of April Georgia and Tennessee were the largest exporters of spring visitors Visitors spent $921 million during the season and gross lodging revenue stood around $200 million While the dollars might not be worth the damage for Panama City Beach, other places are clamoring for a slice of the tourism pie. According to reporting from the New York Times business owners in beach towns around Tampa are desperate for visitors after the area was battered by hurricanes more than summer,” a co-owner of a business in Madeira Beach told the reporter Their shop had to close while sand and debris blocked the streets “That’s why spring was so important for us — to recoup some of that,” the other co-owner told the Times There was a time in the 90s when PCB was the "spring break capital of the world" and was regularly featured on MTV This drew crowds of college students to the area whose debauchery was seemingly tolerated for the economic benefit Reporting on the history of spring break claims that at one point it was necessary for local businesses and business owners began to try and attract spring breakers Whether or not PCB breaks up with the yearly tradition local authorities and law enforcement have made it clear that they're fed up with the destructive behavior “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 an April 13 Facebook post “I’m not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works.” These comments have garnered national and international attention from the media (Links to the stories are included in the online version of this article.) From USA TODAY: Panama City Beach police say town is done with spring break: 'Go somewhere else' "I think that Panama City Beach not being a spring break town would hurt local businesses," April Bell, a Bay County local, told the News Herald for a story published online April 20. "I'm a condo owner myself Previous Coverage: 'We would lose a lot of money': Some locals not so sure about discouraging spring break said in the article: ”I think it’s a good idea for our town to become a non-spring break destination because these shootings are getting ridiculous.” PANAMA CITY BEACH — When going to Gulf World Marine Park visitors will have to take a detour to the west side of the building as what once was an entrance is surrounded by a metal fence After walking through a short garden path with some exotic birds on their perches and through a small hub with various animal exhibits a sign ushers visitors into their main building small turtle ponds and a stingray touch pool Past a large albino snake exhibit and through a fluorescent-lit hallway is a humble concession stand with pretzels and popcorn to sustain visitors during what's arguably the park's central attraction Ramps on either side of the booth guide spectators into the dolphin stadium The dolphins have been the center of some controversy in recent months. A drone video showing green water and algae in the dolphin pools and the deaths of four dolphins in six months brought intense scrutiny Inspectors from various agencies made a unified, surprise inspection. A large protest was held. Social media was in an uproar. The story made national headlines and even those who were sympathetic toward the park seemed to agree that something needed to be done In recent weeks, not many developments appear to have come out of Gulf World Marine Park. Its owners at The Dolphin Company declared bankruptcy and responsible agencies have told the News Herald that the matter is under investigation But the issues at the facility reach far beyond Bay County Gulf World Marine Park is one of 30 parks internationally owned by The Dolphin Company and its subsidiaries resulting in a drawn out legal battle in a Delaware Bankruptcy Court the facility’s bankruptcy filing has complicated the matter," a representative from state Sen Jay Trumbull's office said in an email to a marine mammal advocate we are doing everything within our power to explore legal remedies that would prioritize the animals’ welfare and expedite their transfer — should it be necessary — to facilities not operated by The Dolphin Company "We also understand that federal jurisdiction plays a critical role The USDA and NOAA both have oversight in this space and we are anxiously awaiting the findings from a recent surprise site inspection conducted by the USDA," the email said "Their report will be essential in determining next steps and potential enforcement actions." Bankruptcy attorney Michael Wynn told the News Herald that the bankruptcy proceedings could complicate action at the park "It’s one of the most chaotic bankruptcies I’ve seen Bankruptcy is already a naturally chaotic area of law," Wynn said the main proceeding is steering more than 10 related subsidiary bankruptcies each controlling marine-based theme attractions around the world." Wynn said the former leadership also owed creditors $100 million and noted that they were trying to maintain control by force in Mexico where they had filed an improper bankruptcy While he wasn't quite sure that the bankruptcy is what's keeping the animals at the park I think that all of the animals constitute property of the estate under 11 USC 541 the automatic stay which comes into place when a case is filed could temporarily halt any intervention," Wynn said Governmental Agencies need to remember that they have an exception to the stay under 11 USC 362(b) which could include the removal of animals if it was to enforce that Governmental Agency’s police and regulatory power." He said there could be a future for the facility when the dust settles with the bankruptcy "It’s critical that any transition also ensures the animals are properly cared for," Wynn said "I believe this can be achieved through a strategic purchase through the bankruptcy that seems like the most logical path forward." there are other indicators of how things are going at the park The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums reportedly removed Gulf World Marine Park from its website's list of accredited members. Snapshots from the WayBack Machine, essentially an internet archive, show that Gulf World Marine Park removed all of its various accreditations from its website Employees at the park have been trying to speak out since the deaths of three dolphins in October according to an anonymous complaint submitted to the USDA The News Herald received the documentation from an animal welfare advocate who obtained it through a Freedom of Information Act request The former employee revealed some information that was not available in Marine Mammal Inventory Reports, that one of the deceased dolphins, Turk, had been suffering from mucormycosis. Experts had previously alleged this to the News Herald although reporters were not able to verify this through an official source "Mucormycosis is known to exist in the soil surrounding the park as another dolphin (Angel) passed away from it years ago," the employee said in the complaint "Management from The Dolphin Company knowingly ignored this threat and did not implement any precautions to prevent exposure by their resident dolphins." The former staff member said that amid the construction to the park's rear, which likely stirred up the pathogens that went killed the three dolphins there was no plan to relocate the animals or put up barriers that would prevent exposure to airborne contaminants The person also alleged that the park never had plans to install more shade facilities to help reduce eye strain for the dolphins three of which were on daily eye medications "There have also been instances where water quality was so poor that all dolphins in dolphin stadium were on eye medications and were holding their eyes closed out of discomfort," reads the complaint the water was cloudy and green and nothing was being done to fix the issue." The former employee said the animals were known to "ingest pieces of the habitat that have broken off" and that they were being injured by "rough textures and sharp edges." The person also say that animals were acting aggressive toward trainers and guests because of overwork and poor behavioral management practices "The water temperature in the summer would be so high that fish being used in programs would deteriorate in our fish pouches," the former employee said "We were forced to feed it anyways which meant they were exposed to poor quality and potentially harmful fish." The former employee also said they were made to give the animals medication without knowing what it was for or whether it was correctly prepared and that management told them that they could not know what the medication was out of fear of it being known to the public "Management would threaten staff to not discuss information about the animals or what went on at the facility and would not listen to staff concerns about welfare," the complaint said "We were constantly being told we were replaceable and that we could leave if we did not agree with something rather than try and make the situation better." The employee also alleged that by the time they left the position The FOIA contains other anonymous complaints that employees were not being paid on time and that algal growth was out of control Activist group TideBreakers provided more photos to the News Herald in late April which show that the water in the dolphin pools was still green A reporter was able to confirm this in person a former marine mammal trainer turned animal advocate has been following the Gulf World Marine Park story "The animals don’t have time to wait for courts to decide their fate," she said "The animals need to be moved to safe and clean habitats not owned or operated by The Dolphin Company." She said she thinks that regulatory agencies are responding now in response to the outcry triggered by the death of Jett in front of a public audience Greene said the conditions have been poor for some time now and she thinks swift action needs to be taken "It seems like Panama City Beach and local politicians and FWC understand the urgency," she said "I was always taught as a trainer to be the voice of the animals The animals at Gulf World need to be heard" PANAMA CITY BEACH — Authorities have made three arrests in connection with the March 25 double homicide at Sunnyside Apartments According to a Panama City Beach Police Department press release officers responded to a report of a shooting They found two female victims suffering from gunshot wounds Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene surveillance footage and other techniques to identify Milan Prince Michele McKelvey McKelvey was arrested on a domestic violence charge on March 12 The victim in that case was one of the women killed on March 25 and on March 13 was released after posting a bond The court issued a no-contact order with the victim he (McKelvey) arrived at the apartment and shoots the two victims," Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R Talamantez said during a March 26 press conference "McKelvey fled the scene after the shooting occurred." Walton County Sheriff's Office deputies located his vehicle being driven by his stepfather and was transported to the Walton County Jail "Further investigation revealed that Milan McKelvey and Tangela McKelvey (his mother) were traveling north on Highway 331 in a black Cadillac," the release says It was discovered that McKelvey was trying to flee the state with the help of his mother who had picked him up on the west side of Panama City Beach Both were apprehended in Montgomery County McKelvey has been charged with two counts of murder while his mother has been charged as an accessory to capital murder Previous coverage: Two people killed in March 25 shootings at Sunnyside apartment in Panama City Beach "The two victims who were shot are related," Talamantez said It's sad that we have to talk to a family and tell them that two of their family members have been murdered We can only tell them that we are doing the best we can to ensure that justice will (be) served We thank everyone for their patience as we develop more information on this case." The names and ages of the two victims have not been announced The investigation remains active and ongoing with multiple law enforcement agencies involved Falling tree limbs in Birmingham kills one person PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — In a candid message posted on the Panama City Beach Police Department's Facebook page Talamantez expressed gratitude to the majority of spring breakers who visited the city respectfully while issuing a stern warning to those who caused trouble "Let me start by thanking those who did things the right way," Talamantez said He acknowledged the future professionals who visited for a break Talamantez did not mince words for those who brought "guns "You thought you could blend in and get away with it He described some offenders as "scared kids crying in the interview room," contrasting their behavior with their online personas "Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town That time is over." He emphasized the challenges and risks associated with the event stating that it no longer aligns with the city's values or vision "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 said He announced plans for discussions with stakeholders and city leadership about the future of the Spring Break season Talamantez reaffirmed the city's commitment to being a "safe family-focused community," and concluded with a clear message: "To the good visitors Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInPANAMA CITY BEACH Panama City Beach Police have confirmed they are investigating a shooting at Pier Park NewsChannel 7 is told three people have been shot and were transported to a local hospital for their injuries We are told the shooting happened near the SkyWheel and movie theater at Pier Park Police said four people have been detained as suspects Law enforcement does not know the conditions of the victims at this time Law enforcement responded to a call about a shooting Saturday night at Pier Park Officials have secured the scene and are asking the public to avoid the area at this time NewsChannel 7 has reached out for details from the Panama City Beach Police Department We are told they will provide details as they become available NewsChannel 7 has a reporter heading to the scene To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com Please include the article’s headline in your message Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app FSU | Florida State University News Florida State University News The Official News Source of Florida State University Home / News / University News / Florida State University announces plan to build ‘FSU Health’ hospital in Panama City Beach With the goal of improving access and innovation in health and health care in Northwest Florida Florida State University has announced plans to build an acute care hospital in Panama City Beach under the FSU Health name the plan paves the way to construct a state-of-the-art medical facility that will serve the residents of Bay and Walton counties estimated to be approximately $414 million was approved Wednesday by the Florida Board of Governors the 17-member board responsible for the operation and coordination of the state’s 12 public universities The 13-member FSU Board of Trustees approved the bond financing in a meeting earlier in the day The university will partner with an operator anticipated to be Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) pending approval by the City of Tallahassee This arrangement will ensure long-term quality performance that aligns with growing community needs and innovative best practices “The new hospital is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and quality care to the community,” FSU President Richard McCullough said “We are creating a state-of-the-art facility that will meet the community’s needs and prioritize an outstanding patient experience enhancing the overall health and well-being of our residents.” TMH President & CEO Mark O’Bryant underscored the importance of the partnership “This collaboration with FSU represents an exciting step forward in expanding high-quality health care services for Panama City Beach and the surrounding region we are ensuring this growing community has access to top-tier medical care FSU has received approximately 16.5 acres of land donated by The St Joe Company for the hospital’s site at 1002 North Arnold Road at the intersection of Highway 79 and Philip Griffitts Senior Parkway The new hospital will be located in the same medical district and adjacent to the new Medical Office Building which opened in July 2024 The first phase of the hospital can accommodate up to 180 beds and will offer a broad range of health care services the agreement outlines the development of specialized service lines such as cardiac care “Access to quality health care is essential for the well-being of all residents in Northwest Florida,” said Jorge Gonzalez “FSU Health meeting a critical need for more health care options in tandem with education and research opportunities for students is transformative for the region.” A key component of the plan is the Academic Clinical Collaboration Agreement which will govern future clinical research and medical education programs at the hospital This partnership will create opportunities for FSU’s graduate medical education initiatives and improve the much-needed talent development of health care professionals in the region in collaboration with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and The St has announced their intention to expand access to health care in Northwest Florida with a new hospital in Panama City Beach,” said U.S who represents Bay and 15 other counties in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District “FSU and Tallahassee Memorial have a proven track record of improving health care outcomes across the communities they serve This new facility represents the beginning of another outstanding chapter of collaboration between these organizations that will benefit the entire Bay County community.” The project is the next phase in FSU’s longstanding commitment to improving health care in North Florida Notable milestones include the launch of FSU Health in 2022 and construction of an academic health center on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus “We are proud to be part of this region’s future and we look forward to opening the doors to a new era of health care that will benefit families and communities for generations to come,” McCullough said The construction of the new Panama City Beach hospital is set to begin soon © Florida State University Tallahassee Are you ready to get your toes in the sand and feel the waves crashing all around you We've found some must-visit beaches in PCB Florida next time you're in the panhandle Growing up PCB was known as the Spring Break destination for high school and college kids to cut loose.  Over the years it has evolved from that into a wonderful place for families to vacation.  There are so many different beaches 27 miles of beaches to be exact.  There are three that stand out when I think of the most desirable and fun This one is a twofer because there are two beaches in one spot.  We had always passed by Camp Helen State Park heading to Destin every year but never stopped to visit.  I asked our friends from the Holiday Inn Resort PCB to name one of the best beaches in PCB and it was unanimous.  They all said Carillon Beach/Camp Helen State Park This got us back to one of the 10 public spots on the beach.  If you decided to go you can pack a lunch or even plan to grill out they have grills on-site in a pavilion.  There is a small park for the kids too.  The beach is a very short walk from the park and it is glorious here's the deal this place is special because it's not overcrowded.  There were a handful of people on our almost one-mile walk.  You can stare down the coastline and view the beautiful condos in the distance and you're guaranteed to find a ton of shells right along the water The day we visited there were several sand bars along the walk.  If you're looking for a relaxing laid-back adventure this is the beach for you We didn't actually get to go and visit Camp Helen.  But we got pictures from the outside and here's why according to floridapanhandle.com Camp Helen State Park clearly deserves its spot on the National Register of Historic Places This gorgeous park began as a family retreat and eventually became a resort destination for those employed by an Alabama textile company If there’s a downside to Camp Helen State Park it’s that some visitors find the park’s beach difficult to access A short walk is required to reach the inlet but deep sand and high temperatures can make this journey seem a lot longer If you’re willing to make the effort you’ll have your run of the place — the walk weeds out a lot of would-be visitors this hike provides the perfect opportunity for observing a lovely marsh, as well as the many bird species that reside there Numerous birds can also be found hunting for food along the beach itself When you’re not watching the shorebirds or observing the scenery you’ll be wandering the beach in search of its many sand dollars Andrews Park is on the east side of PCB.  It was discovered in the early 1920s when Theodore Tollofson "Teddy the Hermit" got shipwrecked after a hurricane.  Basically he stayed on the island for the next 25 years in what is now St The park is about 1200-acres in size and has a mile and a half miles of beaches that you can enjoy in many different ways including;  bicycling Our favorite part of the park is where the rocks are built up and have trapped a large pool of water.  It's so crystal clear you can see straight to the bottom and it isn't very deep so you can wade around.  The kids love it because they can play and swim all day without worrying about waves or surprising sea creatures LOL Andrews every single time we come to PCB. It is only $8 per carload to get in and you can stay all day long.  We always take our beach chairs and sand toys and spend time taking photos and playing in the sand Shell Island is one of the most unique experiences in PCB.  According littlefamilyadventure.com; If you like beaches without a ton of people or buildings Shell Island is an undeveloped barrier island between St Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The area stretched out for 7 miles with no hotels It’s natural beauty for as far as you can see Gallery Credit: Chadwick J. Benefield Are you ready to get your toes in the sand and feel the waves crashing all around you? We've found some must-visit beaches in PCB, Florida next time you're in the panhandle.\nRead More We didn't actually get to go and visit Camp Helen.  But we got pictures from the outside and here's why according to floridapanhandle.com Camp Helen State Park clearly deserves its spot on the National Register of Historic Places PANAMA CITY BEACH — The St. Joe Company has announced that Homewood Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach has been recognized with the Hilton “Award of Excellence,” which means the location is among the top 5% of Homewood Suites hotels based on metrics including guest ratings cleanliness scores and the annual Hilton quality assessment According to a press release, Homewood Suites PCB opened in 2022 and features 131 one- and two-bedroom guest suites each equipped with a full kitchen and refrigerator “We are very excited for Homewood Suites PCB to receive this prestigious recognition,” Patrick Murphy senior vice president of hospitality for St “Panama City Beach continues to be among the top beach destinations in the country The location of the hotel enables us to serve visiting sports teams competing at the Publix Sports Park as well as business and leisure travelers looking to enjoy all that Panama City Beach has to offer.” Earlier coverage: Homewood Suites opens near Panama City Beach sports park. Take a look around. The hotel’s amenities include a swimming pool fitness center and complimentary breakfast served seven days a week Homewood Suites PCB is one of 12 hotels and resorts in The St Joe Company’s hospitality portfolio in Northwest Florida Things to do: Southern Living lists the best things to do in Panama City Beach. Is your list the same? Homewood Suites Panama City Beach is located at 47 Chip Seal Parkway “This recognition and the quality scores and guest ratings that we’ve achieved are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our world-class team,” Debi Knight “Our associates take pride in our hotel and go above and beyond to make every guest’s stay a pleasant and memorable one To be acknowledged in this way is something that we are all very proud of.” PANAMA CITY BEACH ― Florida State University has announced plans to build an acute care hospital in Panama City Beach under FSU Health The plan is pending approval from the State of Florida The state-of-the-art medical facility will serve the residents of Bay and Walton counties was approved March 26 by the Florida Board of Governors has announced their intention to expand access to health care in Northwest Florida with a new hospital in Panama City Beach,” U.S "FSU and Tallahassee Memorial have a proven track record of improving health care outcomes across the communities they serve This new facility represents the beginning of another outstanding chapter of collaboration between these organizations that will benefit the entire Bay County community." FSU has received approximately 16.5 acres donated by the St The hospital's site is expected to be located at 1002 N Arnold Road at Highway 79 and Philip Griffitts Senior Parkway The hospital will be located in the same medical district and adjacent to the new medical office building “Access to quality health care is essential for the well-being of all residents in Northwest Florida,” Jorge Gonzalez “FSU Health meeting a critical need for more health care options in tandem with education and research opportunities for students is transformative for the region.”  The plan will include the Academic Clinical Collaboration Agreement which will create opportunities for FSU’s graduate medical education initiatives and improve talent development of health care professionals in the region "The first phase of the hospital can accommodate up to 180 beds and will offer a broad range of health care services More Bay County News: Bay District Schools teacher could lose job due to excessive overused sick leave FSU has made a commitment to improving health care in North Florida with FSU Health launching in 2022. FSU is expected to open another health center on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus, which is set to open in 2026. The construction of the new Panama City Beach hospital is set to begin soon, with a targeted opening date in 2028.  “The new hospital is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and quality care to the community," FSU President Richard McCullough said in the release. "We are creating a state-of-the-art facility that will meet the community's needs, support local physicians, and prioritize an outstanding patient experience, enhancing the overall health and well-being of our residents." according to the Florida destination's police chief Natasha Decker•Apr 16 Panama City Beach has taken a firm stance against rowdy and dangerous spring breakers Chief J.R. Talamantez of the local police department addressed the future of spring break in the city in an April 13 Facebook post He said Panama City Beach will no longer be “a spring break town” because hosting challenges increase annually Talamantez added that the risks posed by dangerous spring breakers and the weight of policing the vacay period were not worth it “Panama City Beach is a safe, family-focused community and I won’t let a group of criminals destroy it,” he declared Talamantez called out this spring break season’s troublemakers He noted that law enforcement apprehended many visitors who came to Panama City Beach with “bad intentions.” Moreover he accused some problematic spring breakers who fired gunshots of being frightened when they were arrested Talamantez claimed that some of the gun incidents were sparked by “petty arguments and social media drama.” You thought you could blend in and get away with it and many of you ended up in handcuffs,” Talamantez stated Our officers didn’t see hardened criminals The police department leader pointedly ended the statement with, “To the good visitors, you’ll always be welcome. To the idiots, go somewhere else.” Notably, the police chief acknowledged and thanked the spring breakers who were respectful to Panama City Beach’s local community He identified those wholesome vacationers as “those who did things the right way.” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford noted in a mid-April Facebook post that over 200 officers patrolled through Panama City Beach’s spring break season this year in an effort to keep things safe a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy Queen Elizabeth Once Stepped In To Prevent Snoop Dogg From Being Banned From The UK United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy ‘Basketball Wives’ Star Mehgan James Speaks Out About Popular Bahamas Island With Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Friend Loses Leg Chaos Erupts After Ethiopian Airlines Passenger Forced To Give Up Seat For Minister Check out these filming sites that have added to this harrowing story of creative survival in two popular cities Paramount+'s 'MobLand' has rapidly garnered a wide audience thanks to its fascinating characters and gorgeous scenic backdrops A 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan was rescued twice from Mount Fuji within days – the second time after reascending for his phone The Haifeng is Taiwan’s first luxury dessert-themed train It redefines the afternoon tea experience with some Michelin-starred desserts is taking a step towards opening its doors to international travelers PANAMA CITY BEACH − Beachgoers can once again crack open a cold one while enjoying the Gulf Coast the monthlong ban for drinking or possessing alcohol on the sandy beaches of Bay County ended It is one of a handful of local rules that go into effect during March to help prevent spring break chaos in Panama City Beach and Bay County Another that also ended April 1 was a ban on alcohol sales after 2 a.m "Our annual spring break ordinances were effective in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for both our residents and visitors throughout the month of March," Shari Cooper "These measures not only help ensure that everyone can experience our beautiful beaches while respecting the community and local laws but they also reinforce Panama City Beach's reputation as a family-friendly destination." According to information from Panama City Beach, 363 people were arrested during March on alcohol or drug-related charges 149 were for drinking or possessing alcohol on the sandy beach local officials still are maintaining a strict approach to deterring unruly tourists Two portions of the sandy beach will be temporarily closed between 10 p.m The first area spans from Beach Access 36 to Beach Access 25 The second area ― located around the Russell-Fields Pier ― spans from Beach Access 85 to the east side of Calypso Resort Additional spring break special event zones also will be in effect from April 3 at noon until April 7 at 5 a.m which allow for enhanced penalties and fines And three public parking lots will be temporarily closed from April 3 at noon until April 6 at 5 p.m. 600 Henley Drive and 11209 Front Beach Road Public safety: More special event zones, parking lot closures slated for PCB to halt spring break chaos "We remain a popular spring break location and welcome all who wish to enjoy our area in a responsible and lawful manner," Cooper wrote PANAMA CITY BEACH — Southern Living magazine on April 20 published an online list of the 12 best things to do in Panama City Beach. What do you think about this list? What did the magazine get right? What did it miss? Let us know by commenting on this story on our Facebook page. ”Imagine a mall crossed with an amusement park and a restaurant district and then place this massive complex right off the beach That’s Pier Park in a nutshell,” Southern Living reports Are you ready for Mother’s Day? Take a look at these amazing places to take mom to eat In addition to Pier Park, shoppers might hit the Decor By The Shore Trail. Other recreational options recommended include dolphin spotting a session at Serenity Spa at Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Southern Living recommends doing this at Russell-Fields City Pier PANAMA CITY BEACH — The PCB Police Department is doing a heavy crackdown at Pier Park after the recent shooting and receiving information on undefined future threats Talamantez joined reporters on April 2 to discuss the new measures New protective measures will be in place between Friday for those unaccompanied and under 18 years old in the area Another is security checkpoints at the entrances to the pedestrian area in the southern portion of Pier Park They also prohibited large bags or containers that exceed the size of a small purse unlawfully possessed firearms (including those held by individuals under 21 or without proper licensure) police will restrict the wearing of masks or face coverings except for health property owners can remove anyone violating these restrictions with the help of law enforcement "This is not anything that we want to do. You know, (Pier Park is), you know, one of our fine destinations (in) Panama City Beach. But we had a shooting where three people got shot," said Talamantez We just want to be able to provide resources and assistance to Pier Park so we can do that." Talamantez told reporters that police also anticipate providing a large and enhanced security presence in Pier Park to prevent any potential chaos during this time These measures will be in place for Pier Park between noon April 4 and 5 a.m They come in conjunction with two special event zones and parking lot closures across the city One special event zone covers the area around Pier Park and one covers an area between Richard Jackson Boulevard and Moylan Road stretching South to Front Beach Road and South Thomas Drive vehicles can be impounded for infractions or violations and there will be an increased law enforcement presence to improve safety The zones will be in place between Thursday The city has also closed parking lots at 9941 Thomas Drive and 11209 Front Beach Road between April 3 to April 6 This is to discourage unpermitted mass gatherings on the beach PANAMA CITY BEACH − New and improved beach access signs will soon line the coast of Panama City Beach Panama City Beach Council members on Thursday approved a license agreement with the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau for the construction of new beach access signs along the coast "This is something that city staff and the (Bay County Tourist Development Council) has been working on for about two years," City Manager Drew Whitman said "The signs we have up now (were) installed in 2006 the upgraded beach access signs not only will help beachgoers better identify where they are but also to improve public safety by "clearly identifying" access points and the beach flag warning system Plans call for them to feature two white posts with a green banner overhead that reads "Panama City Beach Public Access." A beach ball-shaped sign will sit above the banner and list the access number the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau will gain a "non-exclusive license to install and maintain" signs on PCB beach accesses The CVB will be responsible for all costs associated with the new signs and their maintenance Public safety: Panama City Beach spring break so far: Hundreds arrested on drug and alcohol charges "I think it's a beautiful upgrade," Councilman Ethan Register said "It's a long step forward in beautification of Panama City Beach and I think it's a great opportunity for us."