A viral video has sparked controversy after boaters leaving the Boca Bash festivities in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday were recorded dumping trash cans into the waters of Boca Inlet.
The widely circulated video, capturing the occupants of a vessel named “Halcyon," was published on Instagram.
An official investigation has been launched regarding a group of individuals aboard the vessel, with officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission looking into the matter. On Monday evening it appeared that most of the people involved were seen at the police station, according to BocaNewsNow.
While it remains unclear exactly what was being dumped into the water, authorities are assessing the situation to determine the nature of the material. If the contents turn out to be vegetation, such as lettuce for manatees, it is unlikely to result in criminal charges. However, if it is confirmed to be trash, the individuals involved could face multiple charges, and the boat owner may also be liable.
Boca Bash, an event known to attract what some residents describe as "undesirable" visitors to Lake Boca and Boca Raton, is not officially sponsored by the City of Boca Raton or Palm Beach County.
Boca Raton spokesman Mark Economou told the Palm Beach Post:
There is no real organizer for the event. This is just something that happens the last Sunday of April.
This event, attended by more than 10,000 people this year, and featured Trump, Biden, and American flags flying high above boats, has historically led to law enforcement activities. Recent years resulted in multiple arrests related to cocaine use during boating operations.
This year's floating party was no different, with BocaNewsNow reporting nearly 20 arrests were made by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officers on the lake over the weekend, mostly for boating under the influence and drug charges.
In 2018, the event saw a drowning fatality of a 32-year-old man.
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer said:
First and foremost, I want people to be safe. There are plenty of ways to stay safe and still enjoy the water.
Boca Bash released the following statement to WPTV, suggesting the motive for littering may have been paranoia about "getting pulled over":
We were first informed of the egregious act when Qualified Captain posted the video. We quickly discovered who the owner of the boat was and several people helping us find them had already contacted the authorities to handle the situation. It is irresponsible boat owners like this that give the event a bad reputation. The Boca Bash regularly asks attendees to keep our waterways CLEAN. It seems the issue was the boaters were paranoid about getting pulled over, which is why we relentlessly ask everyone to pair up with a captain for their Boca Bash trip. We do not condone drinking and operating a vessel by ANY MEANS.
While drunkenness is somewhat commonplace during the bash, the public's reaction to the video showing littering in the waterway is visceral, with many online voices clamoring for harsh punishments such as long hours of community service and hefty fines.
As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking information from the public. Per Florida's litter law, those found guilty of illegally depositing over 15 pounds of waste into a waterway in Florida could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. This crime carries penalties of up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of $1,000, and up to one year of probation.
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