GULF SHORES, Ala. (WPMI) Spring break is a great time for students to relax and get away from their everyday schedule, but sometimes things get a little carried away. What is supposed to be a trip for a good time can quickly turn into a trip to the hospital or even worse jail.
Local law enforcement wants the public to know they will be out doing their part to keep everyone safe. Underage drinking will be their main focus.
The busiest week of spring break started today. "My favorite part about spring break is not being in school and I'm looking forward to the beach of course, " said spring breaker Montoya Major. "We have LSU coming in this week we have the University of Alabama, Tennessee, you know our local schools are also on spring break, " said Missy Zak with Meyer Realty.
With all the excitement comes responsibility. For the first time in a long time district attorneys in Mobile and Baldwin County have issued letters, signed by police chiefs and mayors warning students and parents that underage drinking won’t be tolerated. The letters remind us that providing alcohol to a minor could cost you up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine. City officials mainly at the beach communities are speaking out with a word of warning as well. "When you cross the bridge it’s not party town you know it still has rules, it still has regulations, so if you are coming to the beach or if you go on a boat we still focus on that, " said Ken Grimes with the City of Orange Beach.
Local realtors are expecting a banner spring break season. Meyer Realty has more than 1,000 check-ins Friday and Saturday. "This is the big week and next week is also shaping up to be a big week too. A pretty good contender with this one so it’s going to be back to back. We are glad to see it, " said Zak.
"Be safe, have fun and make some fond memories," is the message spelled out in the district attorney's letters.
