Polk County leaders approve Lake Winterset restrictions after large brawl

LAKE WINTERSET, Fla. - Polk County commissioners approved a measure that cracks down on bad behavior weeks after a brawl on Lake Winterset led to several arrests and strong words from Sheriff Grady Judd.

The proposed ordinance establishes "no-go zones" for boats on parts of Lake Winterset, Lake Clinch and Lake Ariana – establishing swim-only areas.

The backstory:

Investigators say a large fight broke out on Aug. 2 on a private vacant lot resembling a small island, and video of the incident went viral.

Judd said last month that eight people, who range in age from 17 to 40, were arrested in connection with the incident in the video.

Local perspective:

Neighbors say that fight wasn't a one-off incident, telling FOX 13 that all kinds of inappropriate behavior, including sexual activity, has been happening for years.

"We can't even have my kids swim at my grandparents' house or have outside on the weekends with how bad or vulgar the music is. With the fights happening down there, it's only about time someone pulls a gun out or something like that," said R.J. Wells, whose parents live on Lake Winterset.

"We cannot have company, because the language is so horrible," said Winter Haven resident Linda Phillip. "You wouldn't want your grandkids, your parents, anybody to hear that."

"The safe swim zones have to be established or somebody's going to get killed," said Ed Phillip of Winter Haven. "I'll guarantee you that."

But, it could be an upstream battle. Just this weekend, deputies arrested a jet skier who was speeding near swimmers. Five arrests have been made in the last three days. 

While the number of boats they've seen has decreased since the sheriff started making noise, there is hope.

"We've tried to be the dog that you pet," said Sheriff Judd. "Now we're going to be the dog that bites you if you violate the law."

The question is whether word that the party is over will reach the party animals.

"The jet skiers are going in that same area like playing chicken with each other," said Winter Haven resident Catherine Nance. "Having worked in a hospital for 45 years, I have taken care of these people that crash."

Dig deeper:

The sheriff asked Polk County commissioners to enhance penalties for violating the boat-free zones that were created in May on Lake Winterset. 

Commissioners say the penalties for breaking this ordinance now include fines of up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail. There will also be a noise ordinance in effect.

There were a few naysayers at the meeting on Tuesday, who warned that it will take more patrolling than the sheriff's office might be ready to handle, and that tighter rules represent an erosion of public rights. The sheriff said if you boat safely, there won't be a problem.