Police Chief Eusebio Talamantez Jr. issued a stern warning to parents of teenagers visiting Panama City Beach for spring break, urging them to ensure their children treat the community with respect or face the consequences of being detained in the city’s detention facility.

“To the parents of teenagers visiting Panama City Beach for spring break, are any of these children yours?” Chief Talamantez asked. “I need to make something perfectly clear. It is imperative that you contact your children immediately and inform them that unless they start treating our community with the respect they would their own homes, we will be compelled to find them a temporary home in our detention facility.”

The police chief emphasized that parents who have rented condos for their unsupervised teenagers while staying elsewhere could be held responsible for any damages caused by their children.

• He advised parents to ‘retrieve their teenagers’ if they doubt their ability to make responsible decisions while in the city.

“We in Panama City Beach hold mutual respect in high regard, a standard that, regretfully, has not been met by some visiting teenagers,” Chief Talamantez said. “If your teenager arrived with the misconception that this is an opportunity for unrestrained behavior and that leniency will be extended, they are mistaken, and allowing them to come unsupervised was a misjudgment.”

Chief Talamantez specifically addressed the beach area adjacent to Pineapple Willy’s restaurant, stating that the boardwalk beach access is exclusively for Laketown Wharf residents and guests.

• “Unauthorized use of this access point will be considered trespassing,” he warned. “This beach has been a particular point of contention, and we will ensure a significant police presence in the area for the rest of the week. Consequently, the likelihood of unruly teenagers being arrested in this vicinity is considerably increased.”

The police chief cautioned that an arrest could have long-lasting repercussions for teenagers, potentially jeopardizing scholarships, military enlistments, or post-high school ambitions. “The excuses they might offer to our officers will have little impact, especially after a month of managing spring break activities,” he added.

Chief Talamantez called for parents’ understanding and cooperation, stating, “It’s in your hands to guide your teenagers—ensure they leave our city with good memories, not a criminal record.”