Spring Break, with no breaks from the law

TREASURE ISLAND - Law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County are planning a crackdown on Spring Break excesses. In the past, where there may have been leniency, there will now be jail time, and cameras are being set up to keep a close eye on partiers pushing the limits of the law.

"We've got to send a message," says Treasure Island police chief Tim Casey. "If there's two or three people there together and one of their friends are out of there with handcuffs on, loaded in the back of a police car and taken away, absolutely it will have an effect on them."

The city is trying to get a handle on problems that have grown with the success of the beach bar named Caddies. It attracts its own large crowd, joined by hundreds of others who pack the sand north and south of Caddies.

Nearby residents have the video and photos to prove rampant problems with underage drinking, mountains of trash, noise and rowdiness and public urination.

They have sued the city for not taking enough action to address their issues.

The city has now installed cameras on the beach that can be remotely-controlled back at the police station. The cameras are extra eyes for six police officers who will be on Sunset Beach.

There will also be a parking enforcer working the area and extra trash hauls on the weekends.

Those who are suing are waiting to see if it works.

"It's just something that can't be tolerated or continued to be ignored by the city of Treasure Island," says attorney Brian Battaglia. "They have a responsibility to the citizens."