Florida Spring Break Destination Telling Travelers Go Somewhere Else – ryan

Florida authorities may be shutting down many people’s spring break plans.

In a statement shared on the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Facebook account on Sunday, April 13, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford highlighted Florida authorities’ efforts to combat the influx of vacationers and increased violence in the area during the spring months.

“Since the wild days of 2015, when spring break chaos pushed us to rethink our path, we’ve made tremendous strides and have seen some setbacks,” wrote Ford. “That year’s violence, shootings, a beach assault, and rampant disorder spurred tough ordinances, like our March alcohol ban, and a unified effort to shift Panama City Beach from an unsafe spring break haven to a welcoming family destination.”

Ford noted that the Panama City Beach Police Department of Panama City, Fla., continues to fully support deterring and cracking down on “visitors with bad intentions” to the beach city.

Bay County officials did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Authorities are aiming to deter travelers who are “bringing guns, starting fights, or disrupting our community” by partnering with local business owners and local leaders.

“In the coming weeks, we’ll need open discussion and honest debate with residents, business owners, and community leaders to sharpen our strategies,” the statement continued. “Whether it’s more cameras and technology at trouble spots, tougher rules on clubs, (events), and lodging establishments, or new ways to promote family-friendly events, we must all pull in the same direction.”

The statement concluded with a light warning from the sheriff: “To those who choose to bring harm, know this: we are vigilant, united, and unwavering. Our deputies and officers will always stand ready to protect this community we love.”

In a since-deleted Facebook share from the Panama City Beach Police, Chief Eusebio “J.R.” Talamantez echoed this sentiment, as reported by USA Todaystating, “Every year we try to manage it, and every year it brings more challenges. I’m not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works.”

These crackdowns align with other popular Florida spots’ initiatives to control the spring break vacation rush.

In a press release published on Feb. 13, Miami Beach’s Entertainment District enforced a flat-rate parking fee of $30 for parking garages and surface lots. South Beach also doubled its towing rate to $516 and imposed a $30 administrative fee for non-residents.

Security checkpoints were also added near Ocean Drive, which received a 6 p.m. closure to its already limited beach access. At checkpoints, travelers are searched for prohibited items, including alcohol, coolers, tents, and tables. Beach goers are also no longer allowed to play music from portable speakers.

There are no clear signs that additional cities in the state or other vacation locales will create their own family-friendly restrictions during the spring break travel period.