Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is sending additional state troopers to Panama City Beach for Spring Break in response to increased traffic and potential safety concerns, as local law enforcement agencies request additional manpower to maintain peace and safety during the influx of visitors. The presence of more officers is expected to help with traffic flow and deter potential threats, with a focus on patrolling main roadways in the area.
A suspected tornado caused damage in Panama City Beach, including a tilted home and collapsed walls at Pirates Cove Marina, with severe weather warnings for thunderstorms, tornadoes, high surf, and flooding in effect until the afternoon.
Dolly Parton is set to open a Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, an interactive restaurant, in Panama City Beach, Florida, in Spring 2025. The restaurant will feature pirates, mermaids, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and songs written by Dolly herself. With over 1,000 seats, the dinner show is expected to create 300 jobs and will be the third of its kind, following successful ventures in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Construction is set to begin in January 2025.
Dolly Parton is opening a new dinner theater-style restaurant with a pirate theme in Pier Park, Panama City Beach. The decision reflects the city's growth and marks another investment by the iconic country singer in the community.
Dolly Parton is opening a new restaurant, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, in Panama City Beach, Florida. The 60,000-square-foot theatre will feature pirate battles on two full-size ships and in a lagoon, and is expected to seat over 1,000 people. The restaurant is set to create 300 jobs and will open in the Spring of 2025.
A 38-year-old man from Panama City was killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Panama City Beach. The man failed to negotiate a curve on Thomas Drive, struck a curb, and was thrown from the motorcycle. The crash is currently under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
One person was shot at the Majestic Beach Towers in Panama City Beach, Florida. The victim, a woman, was found with a gunshot wound to her leg and has been taken to the hospital. A black male suspect is in custody, and authorities believe this was an isolated incident with no threat to the community. The investigation is ongoing.
After a series of drownings in Panama City Beach, Florida, gained national attention, city officials issued a statement expressing their condolences and emphasizing the preventable nature of the tragedies. The statement highlighted the efforts of beach safety personnel and lifeguards, who responded to numerous rescue calls and took preventive actions to keep people out of the dangerous waters. The city also mentioned the challenges they face in getting beachgoers to heed the flag-warning system and the disrespect often shown towards first responders. They urged residents and visitors to learn and follow the flag warning system for their safety.
Seven people have died at Panama City Beach in Florida this month, with rip currents being the primary hazard. The National Weather Service recorded the highest concentration of "surf zone" fatalities in June at this beach. Authorities are frustrated by the tragic and unnecessary deaths and are urging beachgoers to heed public safety warnings. Violators who enter the water despite double red flag warnings can face fines, but law enforcement resources are limited. Personal responsibility and awareness of flag status are crucial to prevent further deaths.
Panama City Beach in Florida has become the deadliest beach in the U.S. in 2023, with seven rip current-related deaths in the past nine days. Despite double red flag warnings, three more drownings occurred over the weekend due to heavy rip currents. Concerns are raised about tourist compliance with the hazard flag system, as all victims were from out-of-state. Florida leads in surf-related fatalities, with 26 deaths this year. Rescuers are frustrated with bystanders entering the water and getting caught themselves. Officials emphasize the value of human life over the desire to swim and warn violators of the flag system of a $500 fine.
Panama City Beach in Florida has emerged as the deadliest beach in the US, with seven fatalities this year, all in June. Three more people died over the weekend, bringing the total to 10 in the past nine days along the Florida-Alabama coast in the Gulf of Mexico. The deaths were caused by rip currents, which are unpredictable and dangerous. Double-red flags were flying at the time of all three incidents, indicating extreme water hazards. Officials urge the public to heed the warnings and be aware of the dangers.
Panama City Beach has had the highest number of beach deaths in the US this year, with six fatal water incidents in the Gulf, including one in Bay County. Five of the incidents occurred on beaches without lifeguards. Beach safety officials urge people to take preventative measures, such as swimming near a lifeguard and not fighting rip currents. The city has established a program to partner with local businesses to bring more lifeguards to the beach, but only one business has signed up so far.
Three more tourists died after swimming in the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend under dangerous surf conditions in Panama City Beach, bringing the total number of fatalities to seven within nine days. All of the victims were tourists who died after grappling with rip currents, and in every instance but one, double red flags were posted, meaning the gulf was closed to swimmers. The city lists them as "fatal water incidents" because officials have said it is not known whether the victims drowned or had another medical emergency in the water.
Three more tourists have died in the Gulf of Mexico off Panama City Beach, bringing the total number of fatalities to seven in nine days. The victims all died after grappling with rip currents, and in every instance but one, double red flags were posted, meaning the gulf was closed to swimmers under penalty of a $500 fine. The city lists them as "fatal water incidents" because officials have said it is not known whether the victims drowned or had another medical emergency in the water.
Three tourists died in separate drowning incidents on Saturday at Panama City Beach, Florida. The incidents highlight the importance of water safety and the need for lifeguards to be present on beaches.
