TDC explores solutions for unruly teens around Seaside

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — After video surfaced showing thousands of teenagers milling around Seaside during spring break, Walton County officials are trying to find a solution.

“The environment they are creating in our community is almost unbearable,” said Amy Wise-Coble of the Tourist Development Council (TDC).

Most Walton County officials agree that Seaside's 2024 spring break was out of control.

“When they came and imposed this curfew on the beach. Well, that buried us because that’s when we took everyone off the beach and into the communities,” Wise-Coble said.

Reports from homeowners indicate the teens, unsupervised, jumped fences and damaged property.

To combat this problem, TDC is considering creating a new “Family Break Certification” program for rental companies. The certification would create stricter rules for adults on family vacations.

Something that a few companies already have.

“We start checking all of our single-family homes after 9 p.m. We've always had this policy about how many adults should be in the house. We carry out evictions. We’re doing it this year, three or four weeks,” said Tim Taylor of Ocean Reef Resorts.

“There are already good professional operators doing this kind of thing. And then there are bad actors in the community. And I don’t know that having a certification program in place is necessarily going to turn around the bad actors,” said TDC’s Brian Moffatt. “But I think even if we as a community can kind of change that waiting option, I think, you know, that will bring everyone in as well.”

The plan is still in its early stages. With the council's agreement Tuesday, Wise-Coble said she will move forward to get more buy-in from businesses and the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

“I truly believe that during the weeks that the beach curfew was not in effect, we did not reach the level of complaints that we had when they put the beach curfew in place. so no doubt I work very closely with the sheriff's department so that we can achieve what we are,” Wise-Coble said.

The matter will go back to the council and then to the board of county commissioners for approval.

Wise-Coble and Algarin said they are open to public input.

To contact the council with ideas or thoughts, click here.