8 Florida men arrested in violent lakeside brawl in Polk County, sheriff says

'Riot' on Lake Winterset: Grady Judd vows to make more arrests

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says rowdy boaters pulling up to the ‘Point’ on Lake Winterset to fight, defecate and engage in sexual activity have ‘unleashed the teeth of the dog, and now it’s going to start biting you."

ORLANDO, Fla. - Eight people have been arrested in connection with a violent brawl earlier this month at Lake Winterset that left two participants temporarily unconscious and was captured on cellphone video, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

What we know:

Deputies responded at around 3 p.m. August 2 to a report of a fight near the shoreline, but those involved had fled by boat before law enforcement arrived. The investigation advanced on Aug. 10 after video of the incident appeared on social media, showing several people punching and kicking each other as children stood nearby.

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According to affidavits, one person was seen falling headfirst into the lake while unconscious, and another was given CPR by a bystander. Witnesses told deputies the altercation disrupted their day and distressed their families.

Deputies said the fight happened on private property marked with "No Trespassing" signs and bearing sheriff’s office markings. All the suspects allegedly entered without permission. The sheriff’s office said the violence created "an imminent danger of injury to others" and amounted to rioting and disorderly conduct.

CREDIT: Polk County Sheriff’s Office

The eight men arrested and their charges:

• Mason Land, 23 - Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct
• Payton Ely, 19 - Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct
• Timothy "Owen" Gooding, 21 – Rioting, affray, trespassing, disorderly conduct, contributing to the delinquency of a minor
• 17-year-old - 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

One suspect also faces a count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

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What they're saying:

Sheriff Grady Judd said the department will not tolerate violent disturbances. "Thanks to the video evidence and witness cooperation, we’ve identified those responsible and have arrested them," Judd said. "As you are enjoying the beautiful lakes in Winter Haven and throughout our county, stay off of people’s private property."