Panama City Beach, sometimes labeled as the "spring break capital of the world," has managed to body slam the college party on the sand this season.

Crowds and business are both down sharply compared to this time last year, following new alcohol limits the Florida city enacted after bitter spring break troubles in 2015. The changes, including a more aggressive police presence, come as many metro Atlanta high school students and families prepare for their own spring vacation beach trips.

Other beach towns may pick up what PCB loses. Check out more on what the scene is like now and what sparked PCB's soul searching, in my latest Unofficial Business column on myAJC.com.

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Long lines at the Frontier Airlines ticketing counter back up into the walkway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Friday, November 21, 2025 (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
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