Lake Winterset residents fed up following violent brawl

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Residents are fed up following what they call “disturbing behavior” by boaters along Lake Winterset.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested eight suspects involved in a violent fight Aug. 2 at a popular spot known as “The Point.”

Longtime resident Rebecca Hart said that despite multiple “no trespassing” signs and complaints from neighbors, outside boaters still find their way to “The Point.” Hart lives just doors down, and while she didn’t witness the brawl, she said she wasn’t surprised.

“They just continue to do what they want with no regard for other people,” she said. “People just don’t respect your privacy or your space, and they’ll just pull up on the back of your property and they’ll grill out. They’ll turn up the music real loud. They’ll play vulgar music with horrible lyrics, and you can be sitting in your living room, and you can hear it. You could be on the other side of your house and hear it.”

During a recent press conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said Aug. 2 wasn’t the first time deputies were called to the area. He said they’re called every weekend for violations that include defecation on property and noise complaints.

Judd said there is currently a loophole that allows visitors to remain at “The Point” as long as their feet are in the water. Marine patrol was on Lake Winterset over the weekend and planned to make arrests for trespassing and other violations. It’s the kind of enforcement Hart said she’s been waiting to see.

“It’s going to be a big change going on, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

Judd also said the county passed a swim zone ordinance for Lake Winterset, which will mean boats will no longer be able to pull up to the spot. However, the ordinance has not yet gone into effect.