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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Joseph D Bishop commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Why so many boot lockers here”

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“This is bs. They just allowed the county”

Elizabeth commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“There have been no parking signs for years. No one follows them.”

H. commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Mr.Siegel, you say we own the Air Force? Keep it up with the negative sentiment, and watch the Air Force close off each side of 98 with fences topped with...”

Dude M. commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“When I was A Deputy with the Sheriff's Office I was issuing county ordinance citations to people who were parking on the right-of-way along the area of the sea wall...”

“I will continue to go there and enjoy my time on this earth. This is bs. They just allowed the county to gangrape the south side of 98, directly across...”

Robert V Siegel commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“The air force may "own" the land, but we the people own the air force. It's our beach to enjoy.”

Katherine Farris commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Like people actually obey signs, especially when they think they are entitled to access.”

Matthew F Elliott commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“I have been here all my life! Born here raised here and never moved anywhere else! 52 years and we gave never had to do anything like this! Always had...”

Don K Murray commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Actually I believe parking with walkovers could have solved the issue and granted us access to the wall( for those who grew up here). Too much congestion now at the...”