ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WPMI)
Spring Break is officially in full swing along the Alabama Gulf Coast and as the crowds hit the beaches, police are ramping up efforts to keep everyone safe.
The Orange Beach Police Department has already seen an increase in Spring Breakers and are cracking down on illegal behavior.
Ever since the city of Gulf Shores passed its alcohol ban on the beaches, many have wondered if Spring Breakers looking to party would turn elsewhere.
Orange Beach authorities say they are ready should the partiers head there instead.
The beaches of Baldwin County aren't immune to wild, alcohol fueled Spring Break parties.
But for the most part, everyone enjoys the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach responsibly and relatively quietly.
Many spring breakers told LOCAL 15 that it's the scenery, not the parties, that keeps them coming back.
"We love it because of how beautiful the water is. We live in Mississippi. So we travel here to see how pretty it is and the sunsets are beautiful," said Savannah Coe.
After last year's problems with revelers who were turned away from Florida beaches, Gulf Shores wasn't taking any chances.
City leaders enacted an alcohol ban on the beach for the rest of Spring Break.
It left some some to wonder if the ban would push those who want to drink on the sand, next door to the city of Orange Beach.
"I definitely think it will influence people to come here more," Coe said.
"Yeah, because that's what spring break is about," said Haley McPipkin.
Lt. Steve Brown, with the Orange Beach Police department, says it's hard to say whether that would be the case or not. But the city has seen a 20% increase in Spring Break bookings compared to last year.
According to Lt. Brown, there will be increased officer patrols.
"If we have the same issues we had last year, we're prepared to deal with that. Hopefully this year the message is clear that we zero tolerance for underage drinking, DUI and drug possession," Lt. Brown said.
And the police department made that clear by posting a message on social media which stressed the do's and don'ts for Spring Breakers coming to town.
"We have a safe, family friendly atmosphere and a safe environment for people to come enjoy Spring Break," said Lt. Brown.
Authorities say those extra officers will be on hand for the entirety of Spring Break.
Originally posted here:
Orange Beach Police increase patrols for Spring Break - WPMI Local 15 News