Police in Florida are working to restore peace at beaches that had been relatively calm since spring break, as new disturbances arise. In a playful attempt to publicly shame offenders, a sheriff’s office in the Florida Panhandle has started a scoring system, similar to NCAA leaderboards, tracking points for each police intervention.
In an amusing post, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office called out Oklahoma State University, commenting, “Wait a minute, Pistol Pete. This looks familiar.” They noted the score: “SEC – 0, Big 12 Conference – 0, WCSO – 4.”
Recently, police were alerted to a house party in Miramar Beach, where some college students from Oklahoma State were involved. The sheriff’s office pointed out that disruptions to local life would be dealt with seriously, possibly leading to evictions or arrests. They’ve also noticed property management companies tightening rules.
Just a day later, another instance involved students from the University of Alabama who, according to the sheriff’s office, were evicted from a rental before 7 p.m., potentially setting a record.
Deputies responded to a 5 p.m. call about an unauthorized party with no one of legal drinking age present. The sheriff’s office commented humorously that it was quite a wave of emotions to head home before sunset.
These incidents are part of ongoing efforts from law enforcement to handle the unruliness associated with spring break. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested four Texas college students during another party at a rental home. When officers arrived, they described the scene as chaotic, with partygoers spilling out as if they were escaping a selfie moment.
All four individuals faced charges for hosting an open party, one being additionally charged for possessing a fake ID. The sheriff’s office has frequently highlighted the need for respect and accountability among party-goers, reminding them that disruptive behaviors would not be tolerated.
Across the state, Volusia County is dealing with significant issues stemming from spring break crowds, with videos showing large groups of partying college students at Daytona Beach. Sheriff Michael Chitwood reported the seizure of firearms, underscoring the outbreak of violence linked to these events.
Despite ongoing responses to criticism about students just having fun, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office has made it clear they expect better behavior. Their humorous yet firm messaging aims to balance local residents’ needs with the expectations of the spring break crowd.
