Spring into Safety: The Emerald Coast’s Recipe for Responsible Revelry!

Spring Break begins this month for many colleges and universities, as well as elementary, junior, and senior high school students. Many of them will make tracks to the Emerald Coast to enjoy our beaches. You can find a schedule of the college breaks here.

Spring break for the Emerald Coast lasts for a general timeframe of 4 to 6 weeks, with the biggest week involving the first two weeks of March.

While innumerable activities and amenities offer Spring Breakers many opportunities to enjoy their time in our area as a respite from the pressures of school and studies, history has proven many students also find themselves in compromising and dangerous situations. Too much underage drinking, drug usage, dismissing the need to abide by laws and other negligent and criminal behavior impacts their safety as well as that of others.

Last week at the Florida Sheriffs Association Conference held at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the problematic issues associated with Spring Break and out-of-control enthusiastic partiers.

The Governor assured attendees that they “…have our support at the state level to do what you need to do, to ensure that the quality of life of your residents are maintained, that order in the streets is maintained and that businesses can function appropriately as they should always have to do and we stand by ready, willing and able to be able to help you with that.”

As such, visiting students need to be aware there is zero tolerance for reckless behavior and violations of laws. Governor DeSantis, as well as law enforcement agencies, understand Spring breakers need to relax and enjoy their break. We encourage them to do so—but our hope is they do so in a safe manner.

So, make your footprints in the sand of our exquisite Emerald Coast beaches. May you find peace and solace but return home safely carrying only beautiful memories.