These are recent cases from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in Sebastian, Florida. The Division of Law Enforcement documents these events near Sebastian.
These are some of the cases that occurred near the Sebastian Inlet for March 10 through March 16, 2023.
Boating Under the Influence at Sebastian Inlet Sandbar
An FWC officer was conducting state water patrol near the Sebastian Inlet sandbar when he observed a vessel driving erratically and causing a large wake in a slow speed zone near several other boats.
The officer stopped the vessel to address the violations and conduct a vessel safety inspection. During the inspection, the operator showed several signs of impairment.
The operator agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tasks and was found to be under the influence. As a result, the subject was arrested for boating under the influence and was also issued a citation for insufficient PFDs.
Undersized Snook at Sebastian Inlet
While on foot patrol at Sebastian Inlet, an FWC officer observed anglers from a concealed location and saw one angler pack his belongings. The subject discreetly hid a bucket near some vegetation and proceeded toward his vehicle. Once the subject stowed his fishing gear in his vehicle, he returned to retrieve the bucket.
The officer approached and attempted to conduct a resource inspection of the subject’s vehicle. However, the subject quickly entered his vehicle and attempted to drive away.
The officer ran toward the exit and attempted to stop the angler a second time. An inspection of the bucket revealed an undersized snook. The subject incurred additional charges for not allowing the inspection.
Undersized Sheepshead at Sebastian Inlet
After responding to a Sebastian Inlet State Park complaint, an FWC officer noticed an angler carrying a bucket back to their vehicle. He approached the subject to conduct a resource inspection.
The inspection of the bucket revealed 18 sheepshead, all of which were undersized. In addition, the subject was 10 sheepshead over the state bag limit of 8. The subject was cited accordingly.
Difficulty Docking Vessel at Grant Boat Ramp
An FWC officer was conducting state water patrol at Christenson’s Landing Boat Ramp in Grant when he observed a vessel with a large group having difficulty docking their vessel. The officer made contact with the operator to conduct a vessel safety inspection.
During the inspection, the operator showed several signs of impairment. The operator agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tasks and was found to be under the influence and arrested. However, the operator refused to provide a breath sample under arrest.
The operator was also issued a citation for insufficient PFDs.
