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Swim and Get a Ticket
By Troy Steuwer | August 21, 2008
On August 19th, the Bay County Commission approved an ordinance, giving the Sheriff’s Office the ability to ticket and/or arrest anyone violating the double red flag warning in the unincorporated beaches of Bay County. This was passed 4-0 by the Commission in response to the many drownings this summer.
According to Sheriff Frank McKeithen, “It could be $10; it could be $500; it could be up to 60 days in jail.”
Now, I do think that a small fine would be sufficient, but 60 days in jail? I know they are trying to save lives and I commend them for it; but, I don’t think being locked up in the “slammer” should be a part of the new ordinance. When people come to Panama City Beach for a vacation, they come mainly to swim in our beautiful waters. No matter what the situation is, or how bad the weather and rip currents may be, they still want to swim. I would be the same way. It’s funny too because I don’t understand is why this is only in the unincorporated areas? Aren’t most of the visitors staying in a resort condominium? That’s what I would guess, anyway. 
So what do you think? Since this ordinance doesn’t affect the beaches within the city limits of Panama City Beach, do you even care? Do you think a fine or jail time should be enforced for swimmers who don’t leave the waters during double-red flags?
Troy Steuwer
[source]
Category: General |
August 21st, 2008 at 8:21 pm
i dont think jail time is good either… but tickets are fine. whatever keeps people from drowning.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
LOL that subject made me go “I can’t swim????” anyway, ya, jail time has no purpose being in the ordinance…… i mean, come on now that’s ridiculous. I’m not sure about the ticket either unless the people just wont get out of the water. If someone asked me to get out of the water trying to save my life, sure, I would. I would wait and see what its like the next day. But whatever, the county will do what it wants ha
August 27th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Ok. maybe the title was a little harsh
lol