Deadly Pinellas County boat crash spurs safety warnings ahead of Labor Day weekend
Deadly boat crash ahead of Labor Day weekend
A man was killed Thursday when his boat crashed into a small island near Bay Pines Bridge and War Veterans Park in Pinellas County.?Evyn Moon reports.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A 56-year-old man was killed Thursday when his boat crashed into a small island near Bay Pines Bridge and War Veterans Park in Pinellas County.
Officials said Pal Pataki was the only person on board and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, but deputies say it does not appear suspicious.
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Why you should care:
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on Tampa Bay waterways, with heavy boat traffic, tourists and often alcohol. Experts warn that these factors create dangerous conditions.
Florida maritime attorney Brandon Volk with the firm Sher & Volk, P.A. said many boaters treat vessels like toys rather than vehicles, and accidents spike during holiday weekends. BUI arrests, he said, are common and account for nearly 20% of boating crashes.
What they're saying:
Volk also points to Florida’s lax licensing laws, where those born before 1988 need no license at all, and newer operators can be certified with a short online course.
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"About 70% of operators involved in fatal crashes have no formal boater education," he said.
Boat rental owner Michael Cecere said he regularly sees boats damaged by inexperienced drivers.
"Have a good time, but be responsible," Cecere said. "Even passengers can put everyone at risk if they’re drinking too much in the heat."
What's next:
Florida’s boating laws have been toughened in recent years. Lucy’s Law, named after a girl killed in a 2022 Labor Day crash, means operators involved in serious accidents can face criminal charges similar to those in vehicle crashes.
Officials urge boaters to keep speeds down, stay sober and consider hiring a certified captain if they’re new to the area.
The Source: Information for this article was gathered from Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reports, interviews with Florida maritime attorney Brandon Volk and local boat rental owner Michael Cecere.