Summer at Lake Winterset in Polk County, Florida, used to be a peaceful retreat where families could relax and enjoy the water.
But lately, that calm has been shattered by wild parties, reckless behavior, and violent brawls, forcing local law enforcement to step up and crack down hard.
A Shocking Brawl Breaks Out at the Boating Dock
On August 2, what started as a typical day at the lake turned into a chaotic scene when a group of shirtless men erupted into a brutal fight right at the boating dock.
Videos shared on social media show men shoving, chasing each other, and exchanging punches while loud, profanity-filled music blared in the background.
The disturbance happened right in front of families, including young children who watched in shock as two men were knocked unconscious.
One of the men was even seen floating face-down in the lake while a little child looked on in horror.
At one point, a woman in a bikini rushed out of the water, seemingly trying to perform chest compressions on one of the unconscious men.
The violence didn’t stop there — another man was sucker-punched and left floating in shallow water until he too blacked out.
Law Enforcement Responds to Ongoing Mayhem
When deputies arrived around 3 p.m., the brawlers had scattered, but the damage was clear.
Two men were unconscious, and several children had witnessed the terrifying scene.
Sheriff Grady Judd wasted no time making arrests: seven men and a 17-year-old boy were taken into custody in connection to the riot.
Those arrested include 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).
Charges ranged from trespassing and disorderly conduct to affray and rioting.
Timothy Gooding also faces an additional charge related to contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Sheriff Issues Stern Warning to Partygoers
At a press conference, Sheriff Judd made it clear he’s had enough.
“If you want to fight and hurt each other, do it on your own property,” he said bluntly. “But don’t come here and disrupt the community.”
He warned that authorities will now take a zero-tolerance approach. “We tried to be friendly, we tried to counsel, but obviously you didn’t listen,” Judd said.
“Now, we’re going to start locking people up until they understand that this behavior won’t be tolerated.”
An Ongoing Problem for Local Residents
This incident isn’t isolated — locals say the summer months have seen a steady rise in trespassing and wild partying at the lake.
One frustrated resident, 74-year-old Vietnam combat-disabled veteran Gary Resmondo, told reporters, “It’s terrible on the weekends.
I can’t even sit on my back porch or hear myself think.
I’m seriously thinking of leaving my $2 million home because of this.”
Judd described the area known as “The Point” as a hotspot for the worst of the trouble.
He revealed shocking examples of the reckless behavior, including someone defecating in a neighbor’s yard (caught on camera) and photos of people having sex in public spaces during the afternoon. “We’re over it,” Judd said firmly.
Increased Patrols and Tougher Enforcement Ahead
To restore order, Marine Patrol officers will now be patrolling the lake regularly, cracking down on anyone causing trouble or violating laws.
Sheriff Judd promised that arrests will continue as needed.
Lake Winterset itself is a public, 544-acre lake surrounded by private properties.
But with rowdy visitors repeatedly ignoring “no trespassing” signs and community rules, local leaders are determined to protect the peaceful vibe.
The message is clear: partygoers looking to have fun need to do it responsibly — or face serious consequences.