Unsafe Gulf of Mexico for Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
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Updated: 5:07 PM May 25, 2008
Unsafe Gulf of Mexico for Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
Double Red Flags are Flying at Panama City Beach. Stay out of the Gulf of Mexico.
Posted: 9:18 PM May 24, 2008

70 rescues
100 rescues
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Panama City Beach Police, Bay County Sheriff's Deputies and Paramedics from Bay County E-M-S say Saturday was one of the busiest rescue days on record.

At last count there were 70 water rescues locally, Panama City Beach Police had 40 calls and the Bay County Sheriff's office had 30.

It started around 9:30 AM Saturday morning and went on all day into the evening hours.

A special water rescue team started by Bay Medical Center was extremely busy, as were police and deputies. The Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation Commission and the U-S Coast Guard also assisted.

The rip currents are also blamed for the disappearance of one male in the Laguna Beach area. The search for him continues Saturday night. The unidentified male has been missing since early afternoon.

Capt. Joe Cocco of the Panama City Beach Fire Department told us early in the afternoon he had a bad feeling.

"Oh we've been on numerous calls. Many at the same time. Two and three people in the water, calls for distress. So fortunately nobody drowned so far today looks like its going to be a real busy day here on the beach," Coco said.

Double red flag are up at Panama City Beach meaning the gulf water is closed to swimmers, bathers and beach goers.

The best advise, stay out of the water.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Jordan's Family Location: Trussville, Alabama on May 27, 2008 at 07:09 PM

Thank you!!! to those in KY and TN who tried in vain to save my grandson, our hearts are broken but we want to say GOD BLESS each of you.
Posted by: john Location: pc on May 26, 2008 at 08:32 AM

Lifeguards! duh
Posted by: Tina Cook Location: Jasper Alabama on May 25, 2008 at 11:28 PM

IF YOU NEW THE WATER WERE SO RUFF WHY DID YOU CONTINUE LETTING PEOPLE SWIM. MY 21 YEAR OLD COUSIN IS STILL MISSING IN THE BEACH. PLESE KEEP THESE KIDS OUT OF THE WATER.GET LIFEGAURDS -- SAVE LIVES. A MOTHER HAS LOST HER SON. HOW PLEASE FIND HIM...
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