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Numerous rental management agencies have canceled reservations for Destin ‘Takeover Parties’

On Wednesday morning, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced that following Monday’s press conference in regards to advertisements of Destin and Crab Island “takeovers”, numerous rental management agencies have now […]

On Wednesday morning, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced that following Monday’s press conference in regards to advertisements of Destin and Crab Island “takeovers”, numerous rental management agencies have now canceled reservations for those promoters.

“This community has spoken, they will not tolerate the type of behavior that will bring in those who aim to destroy our beautiful home and the family atmosphere we have created,” wrote the WCSO. “Thank you for your willingness to step in and weed out those who take advantage of our rental companies and homeowners.”

Background: Earlier this week, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, addressed concerns over promoted “Destin Takeover” events and incoming crowds during Atlanta’s Spring Break week. 

  • Following the recent incidences in Panama City Beach over the weekend with similar “take over parties”, concerns arose in Okaloosa & Walton County as flyers for a Crab Island Takeover began circulating social media.
  • The promoted parties list April 9 and April 22-24th as the current dates. 

According to Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Jr., both his department along with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office were well aware of the planned “take over” events. 

  • “We’re aware of it and we’re going to put pressure on those events,” he said.

Go deeper: Panama City Beach law enforcement says 75 guns were seized and 161 people were arrested during a Spring Break weekend, according to WEAR TV.

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Community Comments

“How do you assure food products are made and stored properly? What impact will it make on neighborhood children who play/bike on streets? What percentage of sales directly take away...”
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“What’s that staius on this case? It’s been two years.”
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“Mmmm…but residential single family home neighborhoods must put up with vacation rentals being aloud here & there & everywhere. Many impacts on neighborhoods these days. If they’re allowed, why not...”
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Vera Scavuzza commented on WordroW: August 3, 2026
“TRAIL”
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“What no one is mentioning is the change of traffic patterns on the neighbors. A previously quiet RESIDENTIAL street has now become a steady flow of large SUVs, and cars....”
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“Why do they put the locations out to the public?”
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“Another case of someone trying to make an extra buck and here comes some whiner to throw a monkey wrench in it. If these small businesses could afford a lease...”
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George Robert Cilek commented on WordroW: August 3, 2026
“what is the answer”
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“So few of these motel/hotels left. Thanks for not tearing it down”
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“My humble opinion is that we need the steady logical input from Brett Hinley for Okaloosa school board district 5. He’s a native of Niceville, went to school here and...”
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