Pump And Dump: Viral "Boca Bash" Video Sparks MAJOR Investigation

By Jennifer Wentworth | Wednesday, 01 May 2024 12:00 PM
Views 2.7K
Pump And Dump: Viral "Boca Bash" Video Sparks MAJOR Investigation
Image Credit : Palm Beach Post Staff Photographer

A video that has gone viral has ignited a controversy involving boaters who were filmed discarding trash cans into the waters of Boca Inlet, following the Boca Bash festivities in Boca Raton, Florida, on Sunday.

The video, which has been widely shared, shows the occupants of a boat named “Halcyon” in the act. The video was initially posted on Instagram.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has initiated an official investigation into the incident. The individuals aboard the vessel are the focus of the investigation. As of Monday evening, it appeared that most of the individuals involved had been seen at the police station.

The exact nature of the material being dumped into the water remains uncertain. Authorities are currently evaluating the situation to determine what was discarded. If the contents are found to be vegetation, such as lettuce for manatees, it is unlikely that criminal charges will be filed. However, if it is confirmed to be trash, the individuals involved could face multiple charges, and the boat owner may also be held accountable.

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Boca Bash is an event that has been described by some residents as attracting "undesirable" visitors to Lake Boca and Boca Raton. The event is not officially sponsored by the City of Boca Raton or Palm Beach County. Mark Economou, a spokesman for Boca Raton, stated, "There is no real organizer for the event. This is just something that happens the last Sunday of April."

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This year, the event drew more than 10,000 attendees and featured Trump, Biden, and American flags flying high above boats. Historically, the event has resulted in law enforcement activities, with recent years seeing multiple arrests related to cocaine use during boating operations. This year was no exception, with nearly 20 arrests reported by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officers on the lake over the weekend, primarily for boating under the influence and drug charges.

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In 2018, a 32-year-old man drowned during the event. Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer stated, "First and foremost, I want people to be safe. There are plenty of ways to stay safe and still enjoy the water."

Boca Bash issued a statement to WPTV, suggesting that the motive for the littering may have been fear of "getting pulled over". While drunkenness is somewhat common during the bash, the public's reaction to the video showing littering in the waterway has been intense, with many online voices calling for severe punishments such as lengthy community service and substantial fines.

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As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking information from the public. According to Florida's litter law, those found guilty of illegally depositing over 15 pounds of waste into a waterway in Florida could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. This crime carries penalties of up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of $1,000, and up to one year of probation.

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