Spring break is back! So, what are public intoxication and disorderly conduct in the Pensacola, Gulf breeze, Milton & Navarre areas?

It’s that time of year again. College students from all over the country will arrive on Pensacola Beach to enjoy the sunshine and white sands. Anyone who has been to Pensacola Beach knows that a visit isn’t complete without a Bushwhacker. However, one frosty drink too many on a hot day can lead to trouble. During this time of year, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is out in full effect on the beach.

Law enforcement officers are prepared for any spring break-related mayhem, said Lt. Frank Forte, director of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office substation on the beach. “We will be out in full force, as we always are this time of year,” Forte said.

Public intoxication is one of the most common crimes I see people getting arrested for in Pensacola Beach. Florida Statute 856.011 makes it illegal to (1) be intoxicated and endanger the safety of another person or property or (2) be intoxicated or drink alcohol in a public place and cause a public disturbance. So what does this mean? First, you cannot be drunk in public and endanger someone or something.

For example: if you are drunk and stumbling in the roadway you may be putting the drivers on the road in danger if they need to swerve to avoid hitting you. The second illegal scenario is being drunk in public and causing a disturbance. Long story short: don’t get drunk and cause a scene in public – it will get you in trouble because the cops are waiting for this to happen.

If, for some reason, law enforcement is arresting you for public intoxication, don’t make things worse and fight with the police. Odds are you will pick up charges for resisting with or without violence.

Pensacola Beach is a beautiful place to vacation. The island knows how to have a good time, for sure, but don’t ruin it for others by getting too carried away. If you find yourself arrested and charged with a crime, give my office a call. Odds are I can handle the entire case from beginning to end without you ever having to come back to Pensacola. For more information, please read my blog on resolving a case you were arrested for while visiting the Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Milton & Navarre areas.