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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