Beach, Public Safety

Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office details spring break enforcement plan

Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deploys five-officer team with zero-tolerance approach for spring break season, using ATVs to patrol beaches and problem areas through April 20.

Jared Williams

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office presented its plan for handling spring break crowds at the Destin City Council meeting Monday.

Captain Jason Fulghum told council members the department is following the “same blueprint” used in recent years, dedicating five officers specifically to spring break enforcement through April 20.

“Two of them will be on ATVs on the beach in Destin. Two of them will be on ATVs on the beach on the [Okaloosa] Island. And then we have one person that bounces back and forth,” Fulghum said during his presentation.

The fifth officer will primarily monitor beach parks and neighborhoods that have experienced issues during previous spring break seasons. Fulghum noted this officer can also use an ATV if needed.

The deployment strategy will adapt based on the demographic makeup of visitors. When high school students predominate, officers remain on beaches during evening hours. For college crowds, evening patrols shift to focus on problematic neighborhoods since beach activity typically diminishes after sunset.

Fulghum reported spring break began Sunday, with law enforcement already making 12 arrests, 10 of which occurred in Destin.

When questioned about funding by Councilman Kevin Schmidt, Fulghum explained that while some officers are on regular duty as part of the beach unit, any overtime costs are covered by the Tourist Development Department (TDD).

The spring break enforcement period will continue through April 20.

In a statement ahead of Spring Break, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to maintaining the area’s family-friendly atmosphere:

“Okaloosa County is a family destination, and during Spring Break there is ZERO TOLERANCE for underage drinking or unlawful behavior! We encourage visitors and locals alike to enjoy the beaches of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Our expectation is for the beaches to be enjoyed in a safe, orderly, and lawful manner. Criminal activity will not be tolerated. The Sheriff’s Office will have additional Deputies patrolling our beaches and will have zero tolerance for criminal activity typically associated with Spring Break. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will be diligent in preserving the family atmosphere our guests and locals come to our beaches to enjoy.”

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Joseph D Bishop commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“I will continue to go there and enjoy my time on this earth. This is bs. They just allowed the county to gangrape the south side of 98, directly across...”

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Robert V Siegel commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“The air force may "own" the land, but we the people own the air force. It's our beach to enjoy.”

Katherine Farris commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Like people actually obey signs, especially when they think they are entitled to access.”

Matthew F Elliott commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“I have been here all my life! Born here raised here and never moved anywhere else! 52 years and we gave never had to do anything like this! Always had...”

Don K Murray commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Actually I believe parking with walkovers could have solved the issue and granted us access to the wall( for those who grew up here). Too much congestion now at the...”

Jackpinesavage commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“So let me get this right everyone is happy about protecting the environment and saving taxpayer's money. Than what is with the new trail they just made with a Dozer...”

Angel commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Not a fan, the beach is supposed to be enjoyed. This is going to be another area where we will be watching people pull up on boats only just like...”

Jennifer Fox commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“I support Elgin AF for their stewardship of this beautiful landscape the Base occupies! However: The warning signs are the ugliest thing ever! Perhaps blue background with white text saying...”

Pat commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Might have tried a few no parking no access signs first. What an eyesore a fence will be.”

james rohrbach commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“The trashing isn't from the Eglin AFB property, it is from the vehicle traffic on 98. I have volunteered for clean up along this roadway and can say that all...”