Wild Brawl Erupts at Florida Lake as Families and Children Watch in Shock

A violent brawl erupted at Lake Winterset in Polk County, Florida, on August 2, turning a once family-friendly boating dock into the scene of chaos.

Shirtless partygoers were caught on camera engaging in a ruthless fight, with obscenity-filled music blaring and horrified families looking on. The confrontation left two men unconscious — one floating facedown in the lake — while children watched in shock.

Sheriff Grady Judd confirmed that seven men and a 17-year-old boy were arrested in connection to the incident: Mason Land, 23; Payton Ely, 19; Timothy “Owen” Gooding, 21; Gavin Gooding, 17; Richard Carden, 40; Garrett Ore, 22; Garrett Hiltabidel, 21; and Nate Land, 21.

All face charges including trespassing, affray, disorderly conduct, and rioting, with Gooding also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

“You can knucklebust and create brain injuries to each other on your own property without creating a disturbance to your neighbors,” Judd stated at a press conference. “You have unleashed the teeth of the dog, and now we’re going to start biting you.”

Judd described the incident as the tipping point in an ongoing problem of trespassing, reckless partying, and indecent acts — including public sex and vandalism — in an area called “The Point.” He warned that Marine Patrol officers will now enforce stricter measures.

“We’re over it,” Judd declared. “We’re going to put people in jail this weekend for conduct we previously tried to warn you about.”