Walton and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies get ahead of “takeover parties”
DESTIN, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Reckless crowds tore through Panama City Beach last weekend, leading to gunshots and handcuffs. It seems the chaos from the east could be heading west as Destin takeover party invitations are starting to circle social media.
On Monday, Walton and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Offices held a joint press conference at Pompano Joes in Destin to talk about spring break events, focusing on upcoming takeover parties.
Crab Island parties are being promoted for April 9 and April 22-24th.
“These takeover events. They’re not taking anything over. It’s not going to happen. We have plenty of occupancy at the Walton County Jail and we will do what’s necessary to make sure that happens,” Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said.
Sheriff’s deputies are working together to keep things in control.
“We’re reaching out to both the rental companies and the homeowners that are advertising these types of takeover events. That is not what Walton County is about. That’s not what Okaloosa County is about,” Adkinson said.
Adkinson said it’s better to put a stop to things now before deputies have to step in.
“Now we want people to come and to enjoy themselves but this is our home and these are adults and we expect you to act like that and if you can’t do that, we’ll do it for you,” Adkinson said.
Deputies said they won’t hesitate to arrest anyone who causes trouble.
I expect a major crackdown on AirBNB and other such non-commercial short term lodgings. Most likely an outright ban during certain periods will find its way into ordinances.