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News Release
Law enforcement officers out in force for “White Trash Bash”

May 21, 2007
Contact: Capt. Donald Duval (850) 697-3764

If the past is any indication, a near-record number of boaters are expected to participate in the event that’s become known as the “White Trash Bash” at Dog Island Memorial Day weekend.

An estimated 500 boats with 700-900 occupants are likely to make the 7-mile run Sunday, May 27 from the Franklin County mainland, across Apalachee Bay, to a cove at Dog Island. The boaters, from North Florida and South Georgia, go to celebrate the weekend by cooking out, swimming and partying.

“We want people to enjoy themselves but do it safely,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Capt. Donald Duval. “That means without excessive alcohol or any drugs.”

Duval, who heads up the FWC’s Carrabelle field office and oversees law enforcement operations in the six easternmost Panhandle counties, said 14 boaters were arrested during the event last year for boating under the influence (BUI), one for DUI, and a number were charged with drug offenses.

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 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,” Duval said.

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.

The Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. It comes at a time when Florida is already reeling from 32 confirmed boating fatalities since Jan. 1, marking this as potentially one of the deadliest boating years on record.

FWC officials say the number and severity of boating accidents could be reduced if boaters would adhere to the following tips:

Every occupant in a vessel should wear a life jacket. Most people who die in boating accidents die from drowning.

File a float plan. That’s as simple as telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

The operator should always avoid the use of alcohol and drugs.

Make sure your vessel is seaworthy and has the required safety equipment, including flares, life jackets, VHF or marine radio and fire extinguisher, if required.

Pay attention. Many boating accidents occur due to inattentiveness of the operator.

For more information about safe boating in Florida, go to MyFWC.com/boating.




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[Dubble Trubble]

Did you happen to notice the date on the letter?

May 21, 2007


JT51, you are living in the past man.....

[Chalk]

Looks like fun could be had

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEKufXdDKHE

http://www.tateshell.com/Trash_Bash_2006.asp



Drank'n out of a gas can

Lindsey McKendrea (L) and her friend Sissy Mauney, both from Yulee, Florida, drinks at the 2006 White Trash Bash on Dog Island, off the coast of Carrabelle, Florida May 28, 2006. The White Trash Bash is an annual Memorial Day weekend gathering.

[TroutTouter]

Now that is a good cover! "No officer, no beverages aboard the boat. Just those 5 empty gas cans..."

[MudDucker]

My wife said I couldn't go...she even hit me on the head when I got down on my knees to beg

[BAD BEHAVIOR]

Hopefully it will be like fishing in a weekday everywhere else!!!

[RHTFISH]

[quote="Chalk"]Looks like fun could be had



Drank'n out of a gas can

Is that a new siphoning technique?

[jsuber]

A good place to not be in a kayak.