Spring Break Beach Prep Underway
Walton County Sheriff's Office in Florida shared posts about staying hydrated with Walmart donations ahead of spring break crowds at Santa Rosa Beach. Gulf Shores, Alabama, is seeing large spring break crowds return while enforcing alcohol bans and considering stricter curfew rules to maintain safety during the busy season.
The alcohol ban on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, is now in its tenth consecutive year, running from March 1st through April 28th. This measure was first implemented in 2016 to address "numerous issues with large groups of spring breakers binge drinking, using illegal narcotics and creating a dangerous atmosphere," according to city officials. The ban applies to all sandy beach areas within the city limits but does not include restaurants and bars. Gulf Shores police are also proposing additional safety measures, including a stricter curfew for minors that would move the start time from midnight to 10 p.m. for anyone under 18. Another proposal would allow police to charge individuals with criminal trespass for loitering in private parking lots when no business is being conducted there. In Florida's Walton County, which includes Santa Rosa Beach, law enforcement maintains a "zero tolerance" policy for underage drinking and disruptive behavior. The Sheriff's Office significantly increases its staffing by about 110% during the peak spring break period. In 2022, authorities in Walton County made over 1,100 arrests during spring break. Walton County also enforces strict beach ordinances year-round to ensure safety and cleanliness. These rules prohibit leaving personal items like chairs and umbrellas on the beach overnight, the use of glass containers, and digging large holes in the sand. Violations of these ordinances can result in fines and other penalties.
