Promoters of large organized events at Crab Island can be held criminally and financially responsible if their gatherings create dangerous conditions or require significant public safety resources, Sheriff Eric Aden warned Monday.
- The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office issued the warning after videos and images of a “Crab Island Takeover” event circulated on social media over the weekend. The agency said many of the videos in circulation are also from previous years.
In a video released Monday, Aden said organizers face exposure well beyond a citation.
“Even though it might sound good to you or it might be attractive to you to bring a group here to cause havoc, know that you’re going to be not just criminally responsible, not just cited financially for a ticket, but you could be responsible for thousands and thousands of dollars,” Aden said.
Aden said state statutes and local ordinances allow the county to charge promoters for the cost of emergency response, including EMS, fire, police services and public safety. He said partnerships with neighboring agencies that operate helicopters mean those costs can also be billed back to organizers.
Liability is not limited to events on the water, the sheriff said. After-parties held on land in connection with Crab Island gatherings can also be tied back to promoters.
- “A lot of times they have these after-party post-Crab Island events at places on land because it’s easier for them to get to and coordinate with each other, and all of those events can be tied back to the vendor and be held financially responsible, if not criminally,” Aden said.
The Sheriff’s Office said it proactively contacts organizers when it learns of planned gatherings to communicate that public safety is the top priority.
Aden said the agency’s Marine Unit works alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard, which operates a station near Crab Island.
“We have lots of boats out there … and we have partnerships with FWC Fish and Wildlife, and we have the U.S. Coast Guard, and they’re right there by Crab Island, so they come out and they will help if it gets out of hand,” Aden said.
The sheriff closed with a message to visitors planning to spend time at the sandbar.
“Come, but behave,” Aden said. “Just follow the law, follow the rules that we have in place. We’re a law-abiding society, and we want you to be as well.”
In its written statement, the Sheriff’s Office said Crab Island “belongs to everyone” and that its Marine Unit, along with partner vessels, is on hand to enforce the law.
