PANAMA CITY BEACH — Promoters of an event billed as a “Freaknik” dance party have called off their annual Panama City Beach gathering.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office received a letter Thursday after a day of intense discussions from one of the promoters canceling the party at the Palms Conference Center on Front Beach Road. The event was scheduled for this weekend, and an additional 50 officers had been allocated to police the event. However, promoters said due to the events of this year’s Spring Break and the public reaction to the event, they decided against proceeding with plans to host the party.
“Considering the fact that the city has been undergoing scrutiny about incidents that occurred during Spring Break, we felt that our event wasn’t appropriate at this point in time to take place in Panama City Beach,” wrote Jeremy Russell, of L-Block Promotions. “We would like to apologize to the citizens of Panama City Beach for our poor judgment.”
Management of the Palms Conference Center did not return a request for additional comments Thursday.
BCSO officials said the discussion spanned all day Thursday, but officials had been in contact with the promoter for days to reach a conclusion.
Following a request from Sheriff Frank McKeithen for up to $40,000 from the Bay County Commission for additional police presence, the event calling for “Southeast Georgia to take over Panama City” became a point of contention for people rallying against Spring Break-type events. But promoters of the event said it was not affiliated with Spring Break. One organizer, Jaquay Wimbo Wimberly, said it was more like a “reunion” of somewhere between 300 and 400 people.
Nevertheless, numerous people took to social media to rail against it.
McKeithen expressed deep concern over the event becoming dangerous and requested the additional officers along with an extension of ordinances banning alcohol on the beaches, shortening “last call” at bars to 2 a.m. and barring from clubs anyone under 21 without military ID. The Bay County Commission granted BCSO funding for the officers, but the ordinance extensions were denied.
Commissioners also assured the sheriff Tuesday that if he felt the need to shut down the event, Commission Chairman Guy Tunnell would sign off on a declaration of a “state of emergency,” allowing the sheriff to shut the party down.
Despite the canceling of the L-Block “Freaknik” event, BCSO officials reported that additional force still will be in place for the dates the event was planned.
“Due to the manner in which the event was advertised, we will remain vigilant with additional patrol resources in place as the situation dictates,” said Maj. Tommy Ford.