Okaloosa County BOCC — August 4, 2015 — Update on Issues Regarding Mitigating Impacts of Spring Break — agenda request — reading text

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: August 4, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Rick Owen SUBJECT: Update on Issues Regarding Mitigating Impacts of Spring Break DEPARTMENT: County Administrator BCC DISTRICT: All STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Board previously directed staff to review potential issues related to the possible influx of crowds in Okaloosa County during Spring Break as a result of more stringent restrictions being adopted by Bay County and the City of Panama City Beach. As part of that review, staff reached out to the surrounding counties to determine what if any efforts they were undertaking and contacted the impacted municipalities within the County and the Sheriff to obtain their input as to local measures that can be implemented, if needed, to address these potential issues. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS: During the most recent Spring Break, beaches within the City of Panama City Beach and Bay County were subjected to large and disorderly crowds and destructive and criminal behavior. The news reports related to these incidents were extensive. As a result of the disruptive behaviors during Spring Break, the Board of County Commissioners of Bay County and the City Commission of Panama City Beach addressed numerous issues to limit the adverse impacts that result from the large contingencies of students that frequent that area during Spring Break. A summary of the ordinance and regulatory provisions implemented by the City of Panama City Beach and Bay County are summarized on Attachment “A”. Based upon Board direction, staff evaluated the County’s current regulations to determine whether additional controls might be appropriate in the event that the large crowds which frequent the Panama City Beach area during Spring Break begin utilizing the beaches of Okaloosa County. In furtherance of this, staff met with Greg Kisela, City Manager of the City of Destin, representatives of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department, and have had discussions with representatives of the City of Fort Walton Beach. It was generally agreed that if additional measures would be required, that the most effective approach would be a concerted effort involving all of the jurisdictions that would be most likely subjected to the adverse impacts from an increase in Spring Break activities. Staff also contacted the surrounding counties to determine what if any additional regulations that they might be contemplating. As summary of those discussions are included as Attachment “B”. In evaluating the issues, it is important to recognize that the issues confronting Okaloosa County, Destin and Fort Walton Beach are significantly different from those you would find in Bay County and Panama City Beach. Similarly, the County’s issues are somewhat different from those in both Fort Walton Beach and Destin. For example, the beaches and adjacent parking lots on Okaloosa Island for the most part are owned by the County and, as such, alcohol is already prohibited on those locations by ordinance. The issue there is not lack of regulations but rather enforcement capability. By contrast, Destin’s beaches are predominantly private and as such the ability to regulate those areas is more limited. Destin also has issues relating to short term rentals in the Crystal Beach area which may need to be addressed by the City but is not a predominant problem in the unincorporated area or Fort Walton Beach. Though Fort Walton does not have the beach issue, they are developing their downtown area and the Landings for events and would want to make certain that they are maintained as family friendly gathering areas. In order to discuss the various issues, a summary of possible approaches that may be implemented by Ordinance are included as Attachment “C” and briefly discussed. Finally, though there are areas that can be addressed by additional regulation, a significant component of the solution is enforcement capability and the ability to manage the potential crowds. Therefore, certain operational type controls can be addressed that may assist in the control of disruptive behavior. The Sheriff’s Office has indicated that certain procedures could be instituted whereby physical arrests are utilized rather than the issuance of Notices to Appear. This will remove the individual from the area. Further, a remote booking operation similar to what we used during Billy Bowlegs Festival could be implemented. There would also the possibility of greater law enforcement presence on Okaloosa County beaches. This type of operation would require a more focused manpower by the Sheriff's Office and there will be additional revenue requirements in order to provide these services. Though the existing regulations would prohibit the possession and use of alcohol while on County property, there still is an issue of enforcement to make certain that those restrictions are enforced. This would need to be coupled with a “zero tolerance” approach to violations. OPTIONS: Provide Staff Direction. RECOMMENDATION: Provide staff direction related to Spring Break. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator