Spring Break seems to bring a wide-ranging combination of emotions to residents of Okaloosa County. However, there’s no getting past the fact that our beaches continue to be a major Spring Break hot spot for college and high school students, families and locals. The influx brings an economic boost to local businesses, but also the stereotypical crowded beaches and roadways.
The primary goal of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) during the time span that runs February 26th through April 24th this year is simple – keep people safe. “To a large extent, that involves putting the brakes on underage drinking, which often leads to binge drinking and all the related safety issues that can follow,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “As always, we have a zero-tolerance policy for underage possession of alcohol.”
Last year over a 51-day period, the OCSO made 700 Spring Break arrests, the vast majority for underage possession of alcohol. 518 of those arrests were in Destin and 182 took place on Okaloosa Island. Members of the OCSO Beach Unit initiated 422 of the 700 total arrests. In addition, 125 of those arrests involved juveniles.
If caught with alcohol, juveniles ages 17 and under are issued a notice to appear and released to an adult.
Individuals 18, 19 or 20 years of age in possession of an alcoholic beverage are arrested and given a notice to appear before a judge.
Our public safety efforts are part of a partnership with the Tourist Development Council, the City of Destin and other first responder partners to include Fire, EMS, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Property owners and managers also play a big role. We recommend they take preventative safety measures as well. Good strategies are to have your security disperse larger groups loitering on your property before the situation gets out of hand, monitor for law violations and report those promptly, evict guests who won’t comply with the rules and, of course, contact us with any questions.
The OCSO will have extra beach patrols alongside an enhanced number of deputies on the roads. In addition, many area hotels and condos hire off-duty deputies for added Spring Break security.
“As we’ve said in the past, the vast majority of our visitors come down, have a wonderful time, and cause no problems. They get to leave here with great memories,” said Sheriff Aden. “For that small percentage, however, who don’t follow the rules and act responsibly, there will be consequences.”
In the meantime, whether they love it or just tolerate it, most locals know what to expect during the Spring Break season.
“Stay vigilant on the roadways and exercise patience. Our deputies will be out there doing our best to keep the peace and keep everybody safe, because ultimately that’s our biggest concern.”
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