Paradise Cove Water Park in Pembroke Pines was evacuated Saturday afternoon, May 2, 2026, after staff and visitors received a bomb threat over the phone, prompting a full search of the park. Officers swept the entire facility and reported finding no explosive devices or other hazards, though detectives said the investigation remained active into the evening. Guests were escorted out of the attraction, and nearby roads were temporarily affected as law enforcement secured the area. Officials said the water park is expected to resume normal hours on Sunday, May 3.
Police response at Paradise Cove
According to WSVN, the threatening call led Paradise Cove staff to clear the park so investigators could carry out a thorough sweep. The outlet reported that officers ultimately gave the all clear and that authorities believe the incident may have been a swatting call. Traffic in and around the area was briefly disrupted while units worked the scene. Investigators said they would continue following leads to track down the source of the phone threat.
Where it happened
Paradise Cove is a seasonal water park located inside C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines and is operated by Broward County Parks. According to Broward County Parks, the attraction typically runs on weekends through late May and features water slides, a lazy river and other family amenities that can draw sizable crowds on warm days. That seasonal schedule helps explain why authorities prioritized a full sweep once the call came in.
Legal consequences for swatting
Past Pembroke Pines police press releases show the department treats swatting and hoax calls as serious criminal matters. Per a Pembroke Pines Police Department media release, investigators previously arrested a juvenile and cited statutes including False Report Concerning the Use of Firearms (F.S. 790.163), Disruption of School Function (F.S. 877.13) and Misuse of an Emergency System (F.S. 365.172). The release also urges anyone with information to contact the department's tip line or Broward Crime Stoppers, which remain the fastest ways to share tips with detectives.
Why it matters
Swatting style hoaxes and bomb threats have triggered evacuations at several South Florida locations this spring, stretching local resources and disrupting businesses and public services. NBC6 reported that Zoo Miami closed in March after a threat believed to be a swatting call, and Treasure Coast coverage documented a separate bomb threat investigation in Port St. Lucie this week. Police officials stress that hoax calls put first responders at risk, divert manpower from real emergencies and can lead to criminal charges when those responsible are identified.
