One of Florida’s most popular spring break destinations closed the door on future college students’ trips to its sunny beaches, blaming the radical decision on “idiots” who ignited problems during their recent invasion.

Panama City Beach Police Chief JR Talamantez made the drastic ruling to ban spring breakers from his town after several shootings plagued the Gulf Coast beach town.

“Panama City Beach can no longer be a Spring Break town. That time is over. Every year we try to manage it, and every year it brings more challenges. I’m not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer work,” Talamantez wrote on Facebook Sunday.

Talamantez slammed the troublemakers who forced him to make the change that would alter the future of Panama City Beach.

“If you came with guns, bad intentions, and no respect for this city, we saw you. You thought you could blend in and get away with it. You were wrong. Our officers were ready, and many of you ended up in handcuffs,” he said.

The sudden departure of the longstanding collegiate pastime came as a result of a slew of incidents that plagued the Gulf Coast town.

At least three shootings broke out over two weeks, resulting in three injuries and seven arrests.

The shootings took place on March 29, April 3 and April 11 — all by suspects from out of state.

In one of the incidents, Talamantez described the shooting by alleged Georgia gunman Zyion Robinson as “from a depraved mind without regard for human life,” according to WJHG.

Talamantez said his decision was out of concern for his officers, as he feared their safety was at risk because of the city’s rowdy visitors.

“Let me be clear, our law enforcement officers should not be expected to shoulder the burden of an event that no longer aligns with the values or vision of this community. It’s unfair to continue placing that weight on the backs of the men and women who serve and protect this city every day,” he added.

Talamentez acknowledged the spring breakers who followed the laws and didn’t get arrested, noting their potential successful careers.

“To the future doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, and leaders who came here for a break, you’re appreciated. You made memories, enjoyed the beach, and showed respect. Most of you went home without problems, and that’s exactly how it should be,” he said.

Talamentez couldn’t feasibly see the spring tradition continuing another year, even after implementing several deterrents in the past.

K-9s were deployed to reduce drug usage in 2023 and the city issued a curfew for an entire weekend in early April 2025.

Between April 4 and April 7, a juvenile curfew for those under 18 was put in place between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., security checkpoints were added as officials screened for guns and drugs and police restricted the use of masks and face coverings to combat “criminal activity.”

Police and other city officials are expected to meet in the coming weeks with other stakeholders to discuss the proper implementation of the spring break plan.

“I’m confident they share this same concern. No plan will fix this overnight, but we have to start somewhere. And we have to start now,” Talamentez said.

“To the good visitors, you’ll always be welcome,” he said. “To the idiots, go somewhere else.”