Panama City Beach Spring Break 2023 News
PCB's March ordinances expire, alcohol once again allowed on sandy beaches
PCB News Herald | 4/01/23 | As of April 1 in Panama City Beach, a few city bans lasting the month of March have expired. Specifically, they are drinking alcohol on the sandy beach, having alcohol in commercial parking lots, and selling alcohol after 2 a.m.
PCB leaders pass spring break beach curfew law
WJHG-TV | 3/10/23 | Panama City Beach leaders are taking additional measures to crack down on the chaos at the beach during spring break. Thursday evening, officials voted to close a portion of the sandy beach from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Boardwalk Beach Resort to Churchwell Drive will be closed between those hours.
PCB 2023 Events
Spring Break Grand Finale - Scy Jimm Live
Friday April 14, 2023 at 8 PM
Vibez Club
4300 U.S. 98
Panama City Beach, FL 32401
Saturday, April 15, 2023 @ 8 AM
Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant
15201 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32414
Spring Break 2023 in Panama City Beach, Fl
Today when people speak about "Spring Break" in the U.S., they think about Panama City Beach, Florida (PCB).
Located on the Florida panhandle PCB has over 27 miles of dazzlingly-white beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Panama City's moderate prices, outrageous nightlife and Spring Break activities at the many bars and clubs located on the beach have made it a popular destination for knowledgable Spring Breakers.
For many years, MTV considered Panama City as a destination of choice for its official coverage of Spring Break.
More than 500,000 students have made Spring Break in Panama City Beaches their destination for the past couple of years.
There are many hotels and codos that have special deals for Spring Break.
Spring Break Central during the day is the Holiday Inn SunSpree, on the west side of town where most of the hotels are located. They have a beachside stage with activities scheduled most of the day.
You will also find that most of the corporate sponsored events are staged at the Sunspree beach or over at Club la Vela.
Fast food and a supermarket are within walking distance of the hotel and they have a refrigerator and microwave in each room. So, even if you are not staying in the Sunspree try to hook up with someone that is.... The Sunspree does have a beachside grill for pizza, dogs, burgers and beer and a beachside bar. If you opt for a tour operator's meal program, you may find that some of the meals are served there.
Don't expect to do any surfing; PCB is on the Gulf of Mexico, and the water is pretty flat. You can rent jet skies and sailboats from one of the vendors just off the Sunspree beach property. parasailing vendor, Just make sure that you bring your iPod, some SPF-15, a good cooler and safety gear. It is a good bet that if you are not in bed recovering, you are going to be tanning on the beach till the sun goes down.
When the sun goes down, plan on being at the world famous Sharkys Beach Bash as seen on MTV. Every Tuesday this event of 4000 breakers is sold out! It is a Must Party! Finish off the day when dusk comes with the original Pub-Crawl as seen on Girls Gone Wild. This limited space event will have up to 10 motorcoaches bringing you into the heart of the five hottest clubs and ending at Club La Vela. For seven weeks a year Panama City Beach turns into the worlds largest strip with it’s own free shuttle service from beachside hotels to all of the major bars and nightclubs like Club La Vela, Hammerhead Fred’s, Sharkys, Calypsos Caribbean Bar & Grill and Hooters.
Since the volume of fun is directly proportional to the size of the party you will find that it is a good idea to hangout where the scheduled theme parties are. The clubs do have a cover and most of the time the lines are long to get in. If you don’t want to deal with that #*% you need to get a "Panamaniac Party Card " your passport to free cover, beer and t-shirts as well as local discounts.
Traveling by plane for Spring Break 2023?
Spring break also means an increase in the volume of air traffic, typically a 15% to 20% increase compared to day-to-day travel which means that the time to get through TSA Security increases.
Every time someone carries a pocket knife or other prohibited item through a TSA checkpoint, they have to explain the options to get rid of the item with the passenger. In many cases the passenger will have to go back through for a re-screening. So, every pocket knife or oversized liquid is equivalent to another passenger standing in front of you in line.
You can help speed up the process by planning ahead, check on what what you can bring with you to the airport and get to the airport a little earlier than you usually would.
Every time someone carries a pocket knife or other prohibited item through a TSA checkpoint, they have to explain the options to get rid of the item with the passenger. In many cases the passenger will have to go back through for a re-screening. So, every pocket knife or oversized liquid is equivalent to another passenger standing in front of you in line.
You can check on what what you can bring by downloading the “MyTSA” app, which has section with a searchable "Can I Bring" list, or check on the TSA website or social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Any liquid above 3.4 ounces you'll want to put in your checked bag or leave it at home. During peak spring break travel periods, pepper spray is very common travel item. Pepper and other self-defense sprays are allowed in checked luggage, but they are not allowed on board the plane and will be confiscated at the TSA checkpoint.
Students Expected in PCB From the Following Schools
Walton County Sheriff’s Office
Walton County Sheriff’s Office is ramping up for Spring Break 2023 and is expecting students from the following schools during the following weeks this spring.
COLLEGES
March 4th -10th
Notre Dame, Auburn University, University of Georgia, Tulane, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Florida.
March 11th – 17th
The University of Texas, Texas Tech University, the University of Tennessee, the University of North Carolina, Mississippi State University, the University of Kentucky, Duke University, University of Central Florida, Vanderbilt University, Ohio State, Troy State University, University of Nebraska, University of Mississippi, University of Alabama, Florida State University, LSU, Florida A&M University, University of Florida and the University of Miami.
March 18th – 24th
Clemson University, University of Arkansas, and Hofstra University.
HIGH SCHOOLS
March 11th- 17th
Houston Independent School District, Texas, Huntsville Alabama Public Schools, Tennessee (Bristol, Franklin, Nashville, Knoxville County, Shelby, Sevier County) Public Schools, and Bay County Public Schools.
March 18th – 24th
Walton County Public Schools, Okaloosa County Public Schools
March 25th – April 1st
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Birmingham Public Schools, Jefferson County Schools, Dothan City Schools, Alabama.
April 1st – 8th
Georgia (Atlanta Public Schools, Marietta, Dekalb, Cobb, Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Valdosta), Houston, Texas County Schools, and Kentucky (Bowling Green, Jefferson County, Louisville, Lexington), Jefferson Parrish Schools, Louisana.
April 9th – 14th
St. Tammany Public Schools and East Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
PCB 2023 Events
Spring Break Grand Finale - Scy Jimm Live
Friday April 14, 2023 at 8 PM
Vibez Club
4300 U.S. 98
Panama City Beach, FL 32401
Saturday, April 15, 2023 @ 8 AM
Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant
15201 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32414
Foam Party - Spring Break 2023
Mar 2nd - April 2nd 8:00 PM
Hammerhead Freds,
8752 Thomas Dr,
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Mar 20th - 31st, 11 AM
Harpoon Harry's Beach Club
12627 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Mar 3rd - April 2nd, 9:00 PM
Longboards Restaurant & Bar
8746 Thomas Dr,
Panama City Beach, FL 32401
Glow Paint Party - Spring Break 2023
Mar 2nd - April 2nd 8:00 PM
Hammerhead Freds,
8752 Thomas Dr,
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Mar 21st - 31st, 9:00 PM
Longboards Restaurant & Bar
8746 Thomas Dr,
Panama City Beach, FL 32401
YUNG GRAVY LIVE AT HARPOON HARRY'S
Tuesday, Mar 14th, 8:00 PM
HARPOON HARRY'S BEACH CLUB
12627 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
DJ DIESEL MARCH 16TH. LIVE AT HARPOON HARRY'S
Thursday, Mar 16th, 8:00 PM
HARPOON HARRY'S BEACH CLUB
12627 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Fabo Spring Break "GEEKFEST" Concert
Friday, Mar 17th, 8:00 PM
VIBEZ
4300 U.S. 98
Panama City Beach, FL 32401
Wednesday, March 8th, 8:00 PM
HARPOON HARRY'S BEACH CLUB
12627 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Wednesday, Mar 15th, 8:00 PM
HARPOON HARRY'S BEACH CLUB
12627 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Last Years PCB Events
Mar 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
Hammerhead Fred's, 8752 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL
Official Saint Patrick's Spring Break Party
Thu, Mar 17, 7 – 10 PM
Splash Bar Florida, 6520 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL
Sat, Mar 26th – Sun, Mar 27th
Splash Bar Florida, 6520 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL
AFROMAN LIVE AT HARPOON HARRY'S
Thu, Mar 24th, 12:00 PM
HARPOON HARRY'S BEACH CLUB
12627 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
COMEDY NIGHT WITH JAMIE KENNEDY: MARCH 4TH & 5TH
Thu, Mar 4th, 8:00 PM
Harpoon Harry's Beachfront Restaurant
12627 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Cooper Alan Live: March 9th: Panama City Beach
Wed, Mar 9th, 12:00 PM
HARPOON HARRY'S BEACH CLUB
12627 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Fri, Mar 11th – Sat, Mar 12th
Vibez, 4300 US-98
Panama City, FL
Ru Paul's Drag Race Star DeJa Skye at Splash
Sat, Mar 12th – Sun, Mar 13thSplash Bar Florida, 6520 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL
Top Ten Tips for PCB
Drinking Panama City no longer allows you to drink on the beach or in parking lots during Spring Break, also no glass bottles are allowed on the beach!
How many bars are there?There are huge clubs and bars that really cater to students during Spring Break.Coyote Ugly, Harpoon Harry’s, Sharky’s and Hamerhead Fred’s.
Party Cards like the Panamanic Club Card are avilable to get you into the best parties at a bargin price.
There are corporate sponsored events during the day by Sports Illustrated, Jansen, National Lampoon, etc. Most of the activities and contests takes place on the beach behind major hotels or over at the larger clubs.
Marketing companies like the CMG agency help to bring corporate sponsored events to PCB from companies like Sports Illustrated, Jansen, National Lampoon, etc.
Many of the hotels have rooms with kitchens, you need to book early if you want one.
Save about $95 per person, there are no expensive departure taxes, like you fill find in Jamaica, Cancun, Acapulco and Nassau.
The drinking age in Florida is 21 but you can get into the bars and clubs if you are at least 18. And yes, the bars and clubs are very strict on IDs.
There is plenty of "fast food" beachside, several supermarkets, and a Walmart. The local mall and city stores are 15 minutes away, depending on traffic.
Expect to spend between 200-300 dollars during your trip..
Remember to protect yourself with SPF 15 Sunblock every day.
Panama City Beach Spring Break 2023 News
PCB's March ordinances expire, alcohol once again allowed on sandy beaches
PCB News Herald| 4/01/23 | As of April 1 in Panama City Beach, a few city bans lasting the month of March have expired. Specifically, they are drinking alcohol on the sandy beach, having alcohol in commercial parking lots, and selling alcohol after 2 a.m.
PCB leaders pass spring break beach curfew law
WJHG-TV | 3/10/23 | Panama City Beach leaders are taking additional measures to crack down on the chaos at the beach during spring break. Thursday evening, officials voted to close a portion of the sandy beach from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Boardwalk Beach Resort to Churchwell Drive will be closed between those hours.
Panama City Beach Police arrest more than 250 so far this spring break season
Yahoo! | 3/15/23 | PCPD has already have arrested more than 240 adults and a dozen juveniles for a variety of crimes, described as being "traditional spring break criminal offenses, which includes disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, possession of narcotics, underage drinking and drinking alcohol on the sandy beach in March, which is illegal in PCB.
Yung Gravy Performance March 14th in Panama City Beach
PR Web | Billboard Hot 100 artist ‘Yung Gravy’ has been booked to performMarch 14th, during Spring Break 2023 at Harpoon Harry’sin Panama City Beach, Florida.
Last Years Panama City Beach Spring Break News
Panama City eyes cutting alcohol sales hours after violent Spring Break weekend in PCB
USA News | 02/30/2022 | City officials proposed a change to Ordinance 3059, which would annually prohibit the sale of alcohol within city limits between 2 and 7 a.m. from March 1 to April 30.
News Herald | 02/18/2022 | A portion of sandy beaches in Panama City Beach will be temporarily closed at 10 PM every night from March 1 until April 30.
Panama City Beach ranked 10th cheapest beach destination in U.S. to spend spring break 2022
Palm Beach Post | 03/3/2022 | A portion of sandy beaches in Panama City Beach will be temporarily closed at 10 PM every night from March 1 until April 30.
News Herald | 02/18/2022 | A portion of sandy beaches in Panama City Beach will be temporarily closed at 10 PM every night from March 1 until April 30.
Panama City Beach Spring Break 2021 News
NO booze, NO deep holes and NO balcony jumping in Panama City Beach for spring break
PANAMA CITY NEWS HERALD | 2/22/2021 | SPRING BREAK BEACH RULES IN PCB The Panama City Beach Police Department issued a statement recently reminding beachgoers about the rules in the month of March regarding alcohol and other activities on the Beach.
PANAMA CITY NEWS HERALD | 2/25/2021 | Panama City Beach limits special event crowds during Spring Break because of COVID-19. This new restriction will be in addition to the city's annual March alcohol ban on the beach.
A slow recovery underway for Spring Break in Panama City Beach. Early figures on revenue for March of this year showed an increase of 19.2 percent over the 2016 revenue loss after enacting the new "Spring Beak Ordances."
OUR VIEW: Signal for a fun Spring Break
Panama City News Herald | There are signs of things being toned down this Spring Break by law enforcement......
