Spring Breakers on Alert After Girl is Sexually Assaulted
By Nancy Gay ngay@wmbb.com
News 13 on Your Side
Mar 16, 2003


The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident in which a female accepted a drink from two men and then blacked out. The next thing she remembers is waking up in a taxi cab on the way back to her hotel.

Investigators say the victim was apparently sexually assaulted, but did not incur serious physical injury.

Law Enforcement Officials usually get several date rape cases around the spring break season.

In most incidents the date rape drug G-H-B is slipped into a female's drink without her knowledge. The drug forces her to go into an extreme drunken like state.

Officials say citizens should guard their drinks, use the buddy system, and never accept drinks from strangers to ensure that everyone has a safe time.

I saw this a lot when I was down there. Unfortunately, the buddy system doesn't always work. I saw two girls who were together who were BOTH drunk off their as#es, and all the guys were taking advantage of them.

I know people like to THINK that they know what's going on when they're drunk...but trust me...someone who's sober has every advantage over a drunk person.

If you're underage and want to drink...I'd advise that you not do it in the club. Not only can you get busted and get kicked out of a club you payed $30 to get in...but you may find yourself in a room full of guys who had their way with you the night before.

PCB Drowning
By Gene Hilsheimer - ehilsheimer@wmbb.com
News13 On Your Side
Mar 19, 2003


Early morning surfers discovered the body of a Spring Breaker on Panama City Beach on Wednesday.

21-year-old Blake Bennett from Pendleton, Indiana apparently drowned while swimming in the Gulf.

Police said that Bennett and some friends went swimming around 2:30 Wednesday morning behind Spain Cottages.

When Bennett got into trouble, another swimmer tried to help him but lost his grip.

The surfers found Bennett's body just after 8:00 AM Wednesday morning near Edgewater Beach Resort.

Thanks for that, Shaggy.. That is unfortunate.

Yes, do be careful in the water and obey the posted flags on the beach.

No matter how good of a swimmer you think you are, a strong current will tire your A** out, especially if you've had a few drinks or its dark and you can't see the shore.

If you're unfamiliar with our Beach Flag Warning System, please do familarize yourself with it by visiting this page.
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Wellbutrin Injury Lawyer

Spring Breaker Hit By Car
By Chris Mitchell (cmitchell@wmbb.com)

Mar 25, 2003


A spring breaker is seriously injured after being run over by a car on Panama City Beach early Monday morning.
Police say 16 year-old Casey Whitson of Hunsville Alabama was trying to cross Front Beach Road when he stepped out in front of a white Mustang driven by 22 year-old Kathryn Huggin of Dothan, Alabama. The impact broke both of Whitson's legs.

Whitson is listed in stable condition. No charges have been filed against Huggin.

Police say drivers and pedestrians always need to be aware of their surroundings, particularly during Spring Break when thousands of college students are driving and walking from nighclubs during early morning hours.