We lived in Panama City around 6 years in the 1950s.
I can actually remember when it was called AEA week. That stood for Alabama Education Association week. All the Alabama teachers met for some reason. During that week the kids would come to PC. It just grew from that to kids all over the country but mostly South and Big Ten area schools.
I also remember when Ft. Lauderdale was the prime destination. Now it is Panama City.
I would never let my kid go to Spring Break. Fortunately mine did not even want to.
I heard some college girls say that all you need at spring break is your sunscreen and your birth control. Shows what some have in mind.
I went to PAY when it was called AEA. I had to be home by dark though. Not much went on back then anyway.