Controversial float party gets underway on St. Pete Beach

Thousands of people are expected to descend on St. Pete Beach on Sunday for a controversial party thrown by a local rap artist.

Forgiato Blow is hosting the party from noon until 6 p.m. and he has told attendees to bring floats.

The party is similar to Miami's Floatopia, which made a mess of the beach and was highly criticized by local leaders.

The mayor of St. Pete Beach, Maria Lowe, has repeatedly asked Blow to get a permit and reschedule Sunday's event, but he refused.

Lowe's concerns include lack of parking, no portable restrooms and disturbing visiting hotel guests.