Spring break is nigh, and the city of Orange Beach has issued its annual warning: "If you are looking for a party town, the City of Orange Beach is not it."
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have been aggressive about maintaining their image as family-friendly destinations rather than as havens for collegiate debauchery. That stance stiffened in 2016, when Panama City Beach clamped down after mayhem there made national headlines in 2015.
The Orange Beach Police Department put revelers on notice via the city website:
The Orange Beach Police Department welcomes all guests to the City of Orange Beach for Spring Break. Our city is a beautiful, family-oriented beach resort community. Over the past two years, we have experienced increases in underage drinking, disorderly conduct and illegal drug use during Spring Break.
The Orange Beach Police Department will utilize all available resources at our disposal to maintain order and continue to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors.
If you are looking for a party town, the City of Orange Beach is not it.
Underage drinking, illegal drug use, disorderly conduct or any other breach of the peace will not be tolerated. If you choose to violate the law, you will go to jail. THIS IS YOUR WARNING.
Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon also used his Facebook page to draw people's attention to the notice. Kennon has been outspoken about the town's willingness to crack down on excessive partying: In 2016 he said, "If you come here, you better behave, or you're going to jail. It's that simple."
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach both issued similar warnings in 2017, Gulf Shores banned alcohol on its beaches midway through the 2016 spring break season and had a similar ban in place for 2017. The ban applies again this year.
The Orange Beach Police Department followed up its lists with some do's and don'ts.
Do:
- Be respectful of other guests.
- Have a good time.
- Take your trash with you.
- Remember to "Leave Only Footprints."
Do not:
- Sleep in your car or on the beach.
- Have glass containers on the beach.
- Dig large holes on the beach or have steel shovels.
- Have alcohol on State beaches.
- Climb or jump from balconies.
- Leave you chairs and tents on the beach after sunset.
- Have loud and boisterous music or noise on the beach or in your room.
The Orange Beach Police Department can be reached at 251-981-9777 for non-emergency matters.