Florida sheriff rips 'reprehensible' lake brawl after 8 arrested
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A Florida sheriff tore into a group of rowdy boaters after a massive, caught-on-video lakeside brawl left families and children stunned.

Polk County Sheriff Brady Judd, known for his tough talking and zero-tolerance messaging, ripped into the group after a chaotic video showed the punches flying at Lake Winterset, with one person left knocked out on the grass while a woman frantically performed CPR on him. 

Seconds later, one man sucker-punches another partygoer, sending him flying headfirst into the water, as another man then jumps on top of him and lets loose with a flurry of follow-up punches. In the video, a young girl in a boat can be seen looking on.  

Grady Judd and a brawl

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the behavior. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

Polk County Sheriff Brady Judd watches video of the wild brawl

Sheriff Brady Judd watches video of the wild brawl. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

They all face charges for rioting, affray, trespassing and disorderly conduct, according to the sheriff’s office.

Judd said the people arrested were part of two groups that used to be friends. Back in March, there was a fight at a local bar called El Rodeo Bar which led to criminal charges against some individuals.

Some in the group resented those charges and Judd even mentioned law enforcement is looking into possible tampering with evidence.

The groups clashed on the water over the weekend and started yelling at each other before it escalated into a physical fight onshore.

Judd said that boaters are constantly violating trespassing laws in the area despite clear signs on properties. 

A woman performs cpr on a man

A woman can be seen performing CPR on a man during the brawl. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

He tied trespassing to the brawl location, describing how offenders use a loophole by standing in the water adjacent to private property, then climbing onto land to fight, party, or commit indecent acts.

“You put one toe on that land this weekend, you’re going to jail. You stand in the water and put your finger up on that dry land, and you’re going to go to jail.”

“Go home and get your bond money together right now… Carry it in your pocket. It’ll help you get out of jail quicker.”

Judd said that music-blaring boaters have been part of the ongoing disruption problem at Lake Winterset. He said that there isn’t currently a noise ordinance covering boats but that they plan to work with the county to change that.

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