Spring Break History (cont.)

Spring Break History (continued)

Florida became the focus of Spring Break in the 1970's. Warm weather, beautiful beaches, and alcohol meant that somebody was going to get naked. Soon Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Panama City Beach were famous for drink and debauchery.

It was during this heyday that a particularly bad Spring Break ritual was begun. Locals called it "balcony diving." Drunk Spring Breakers would climb and swing from balcony to balcony on multi-storied hotel towers, looking for a party or a partner. Many fell to their deaths. Unfortunately, every year or two, some student finds the idea appealing and makes a terrible mistake.

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Spring Break improved dramatically in the Eighties. In a decade that glorified over-consumption, a yearly event that reveled in sex, drugs and drink was a sure-fire hit.

More students than ever broke the bank, or their parents pocketbooks, and hustled a ride south. Moralists countered by offering planned activities- sporting events, dive trips, scavenger hunts, even church services. No one noticed.

Breakers in the Nineties eased up a bit on the over-indulgence, but just a bit. Superclubs, MTV, and corporate sponsors livened things up with concerts, shows, and give-aways.. but the Breaker's focus remained the same- get drunk and get laid.

The presence of so many television and video cameras during Spring Break meant two things… somebody was going to get naked, and somebody else would bitch about it.

A few nationally spotlighted cases, and Panama City Beach and Spring Break were savaged in the media. Savvy locals knew what that meant… even more Breakers next year!

And there you have it, the history of Spring Break. An honorable rite of ancient origin, one that you should proudly proclaim your part in, and whose traditions you should do your utmost to uphold.