WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with a chaotic fight at Lake Winterset on August 2, 2025, that left two people unconscious and was witnessed by children, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The incident, captured in a cellphone video that surfaced on social media, has prompted Sheriff Grady Judd to vow stricter enforcement against unruly boaters who have long plagued the area with disruptive behavior. Deputies responded to a call about an in-progress fight near the shoreline around 3 p.m. on August 2, but arrived to find the scene deserted, with participants having fled by boat. The investigation gained momentum on August 10 when the video emerged online, depicting a group engaged in a physical altercation involving punches and kicks. In the footage, one individual falls headfirst into the lake while unconscious, and another receives CPR from a bystander. Several small children were in close proximity to the violence. Affidavits from the sheriff's office describe the actions as violent and disorderly, occurring on private property marked with "No Trespassing" signs beyond the waterline and seawall. The participants allegedly acted with common intent, creating imminent danger and breaching public peace. The arrested suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 40, face multiple charges: Mason Land, 23: Rioting (third-degree felony), affray (first-degree misdemeanor), trespassing (first-degree misdemeanor), disorderly conduct (second-degree misdemeanor) Payton Ely, 19: Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct Timothy “Owen” Gooding, 21: Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct, contributing to the delinquency of a minor (first-degree misdemeanor) Gavin Gooding, 17: Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct Richard Carden, 40: Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct Garrett Ore, 22: Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct Garrett Hiltabidel, 21: Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct Nate Land, 21: Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct Sheriff Judd, known for his candid press conferences, addressed the arrests on August 12, emphasizing that the incident is part of a broader pattern of misconduct at "the Point," a popular spot on Lake Winterset where boaters frequently pull up to party. Judd highlighted ongoing complaints from residents about boaters blaring music, fighting, defecating, and engaging in sexual activity in broad daylight, often trespassing into yards or standing in shallow water next to homes. Efforts to educate and warn offenders have failed, he said, leading to a shift in strategy. "We’re gonna lock y’all up until you figure out that you can’t misbehave in the community. That you can’t fight, that you can’t knock people unconscious. It’s over, folks. It’s over," Judd declared during the press conference. He warned that marine patrols will be out in force this weekend, some visible and others not, to arrest violators. "Bring lots of bond money," Judd advised potential troublemakers, noting that vehicles, boats, and wave runners would be towed. While standing in the water is permitted, any contact with dry land—even a toe or finger—will result in arrest.