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Authorities in the Florida Panhandle are taking spring break by storm by sharing viral body cam video in an effort to crack down on rowdy college students allegedly breaking the law.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), which has jurisdiction over hotspot Panama City, has launched a social media campaign aimed at preventing college students from engaging in illegal behavior by promoting online arrests.
“We appreciate visitors who respect our community and our laws, but will not tolerate disruption from illegal activities,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said in a video posted to Facebook.
The department has been sharing clips of recent events ranging from spring break riots, garnering hundreds of thousands of views as officials across the Sunshine State grapple with another year of college students descending on their hometown beaches.
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Authorities responded to a call about a party disturbance in Bay County, Florida on Feb. 28, 2026. (Bay County Sheriff’s Office)
In the fourteenth episode of “Busted in the Panhandle,” the BCSO takes viewers along for the ride as they crack down on the many house parties and street racing events that accompany spring break.
Part of the video shows a chaotic scene outside a residential home where a college-aged man is covered in blood while saying he was “jumped,” as authorities responded to a call about a disturbance at a house party on Feb. 28.
According to an incident report obtained by Fox News Digital, authorities arrived at the scene and found Steven Claghorn “with blood on his face and shirt trying to get into the car,” while a woman identified as “Ava” yelled at him.
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After speaking with several witnesses, deputies learned that Claghorn had broken up with Ava “on her birthday” during a house party, which led to a fight between them.
The argument reportedly turned violent when Claghorn raised his fist in an attempt to swing at Ava, but was restrained by the team, according to the incident report.
After the arrival of the police, the situation quickly escalated after Ava was seen shoving a female police officer, which led to her being detained.
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Authorities break up a house party in Bay County, Florida on March 8, 2026. (Bay County Sheriff’s Office)
“Don’t treat him like that,” Claghorn, who appeared to be intoxicated, told the officer. “I don’t care about the job title. Don’t treat him like that.”
Ava can be heard screaming and yelling as she is handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car after being arrested on charges of willfully obstructing or resisting an officer.
Claghorn was then arrested on charges of assault and resisting an officer without violence, according to police.
Another clip shows officials breaking up a house party organized by students at the start of spring break on March 8.
About a dozen students, dressed in party clothes and bathing suits, can be seen leaving the house as police try to determine who is behind the party.
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Sometimes the students are lined up against the wall and asked who lives in the house.
“We live in a city where people come to relax and have fun, but that doesn’t mean we will be okay if people come to our district or our city and break our rules and regulations,” the official was heard telling the group. “Does that make sense?”
In another clip, authorities arrested one person on suspicion of street racing with two cars on February 28.
According to an incident report obtained by Fox News Digital, an officer saw two cars participating in a street race where the lead car was seen reaching speeds of 107 mph.
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Authorities break up a house party in Bay County, Florida on March 8, 2026. (Bay County Sheriff’s Office)
Bodycam video shows police arresting the driver.
“Am I arrested?” The driver could be heard asking.
“Yes, 107 [mph] of 45 [mph zone],” replied the policeman as he handcuffed the man.
The driver, identified as Rodney Jackson, was arrested and charged with speeding and speeding – speeding over 100 mph.
In response to the Spring Break frenzy, authorities banned alcohol from Panama City Beach during the month of March and bars must close at 2 a.m. In addition, the BCSO implemented a curfew for children and holiday rentals are prohibited from hiring anyone under the age of 21.
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In nearby Volusia County, officials made 133 spring-related arrests over the weekend.
“If you are planning to engage in this type of work, I would recommend that you find another place to go,” Ford said. “We encourage parents of children who are considering coming to Panama City Beach to be aware of these rules to avoid large costs and legal consequences.”
