Fish and Wildlife Commission officers say they will be paying close attention to this weekend’s “White Trash Bash” off Dog Island.
The annual event started as just a few boats getting together off the Dog Island beaches for a weekend of swimming and partying, but it has grown to the point that officials expect 500 boats this weekend. 700-900 people from North Florida and South Georgia will likely take to the island this year and officers say that’s fine as long as they do it without excessive alcohol or any drugs.
2 boaters were arrested during the event last year for boating under the influence – they also wrote more than 50 mostly alcohol-related tickets.
This year, the same coalition of law enforcement agencies will be out working the water again. The group includes the FWC, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.
The sheriff’s office is even making a van and a driver available so they can quickly transfer suspects to jail, and officers can get back out on the water quickly.
If you are going to take part in the White Trash Bash this year, remember that you need a life jacket for every person on board and whoever is driving the boat should plan to stay sober. First-time BUI offenders can expect to pay fines of up to $500.
If a boat operator under the influence is involved in a boating accident involving death or serious injury, he can be charged with a felony and face possible prison time.
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