For Immediate Release
February 3, 2017
Sandestin, Fla— Spring break was the topic of discussion for more than 25 business owners and vendors attending a meeting at the Hilton Sandestin hosted by Walton County Sheriff’s Office Friday.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office District Lieutenants Scott Hogeboom and Adam Falk addressed the room along with Sheriff Michael Adkinson and Captain Audie Rowell in an effort to keep an open line of communication with the business community.
Similar to past years, WCSO is enforcing a zero tolerance for underage drinking. Visitors can expect an increased presence of law enforcement in the highly populated areas during spring break. We will have portal booking stations in place in those crowded areas and those under arrest will be transported to the county jail, which is located more than 50 miles away in DeFuniak Springs.
“We are not ruining kids lives,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson at the meeting Friday afternoon. “We are preventing them from doing something that could ruin their lives.”
Along with these operations some Walton County private properties have informed WCSO they will be restricting access to their property as certain times.
WCSO is expecting an influx of students during college Spring Break which is set for March 4th-31st for various universities and colleges. High School Spring Break is scheduled from April 1st– 15th for school districts in the southeast.
“We want folks to come here and have a good time,” said Lieutenant Scott Hogeboom. “But, we also expect them to obey the law and behave while they’re here.”
The group addressed questions along with representatives from South Walton Fire District and South Walton Code Enforcement.
“Statistics show over the last 10 years we have had zero deaths on guarded beaches,” said Sammy Sanchez of South Walton Fire. “We want those visiting to keep that in mind when planning your stay and to always adhere to the flag system.”
Other rules that will be enforced include no glass on the beach, no dogs without a permit, and no driving on the beach unless you have a permit from the county.
