Concerned that spring breakers are giving Panama City Beach a bad reputation, the Bay Area Tourist Development Council recently voted to withdraw its funding support for the month-long party, refused to issue permits for the annual Beach Scene Music Festival, and severed ties with MTV, which films the annual event. According to the Panama City News Herald, “A consensus emerged among TDC board members that Panama City Beach needed to shift the model of how tourists viewed the destination, marketing the area as a more “family friendly” year-round region, especially as the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport comes online in May.” Accordingly, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched its new campaign, “Spring Break, Family Style,” hoping to lure parents looking for sun and fun during Spring Break 2010, rather than the party hearty crowd.

Panama City Beach is just the latest in a string of communities that have chosen not to welcome the college spring break crowd. Issues such as excessive public drunkenness, security, and stress on public infrastructure and services have been cited by local authorities who decided to ban spring break activities in past years. In the case of Panama City Beach, two stabbings during a Lil’ Wayne performance last year may have been the impetus for the decision.

Local businesses are concerned about the potential loss of revenue from college students who flock to the area each March, as Spring Break is one of the largest money-making events of the year. Private entities have stepped up to replace the TDC sponsorship, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to raise enough cash to attract the big name stars of previous years. The News Herald is already reporting that South Padre Island in Texas is the likely candidate for the Beach Music Festival in 2010.

Video credit: MaLaKaY289

Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels