PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2023) — Notable weekly activity as reported by FWC patrolling areas in Palm Beach County.
DUI At Jonathan Dickenson State Park
Officer Spirito was patrolling Jonathan Dickenson State Park when he pulled over a motor vehicle. The driver displayed clear signs of impairment and underwent standardized field sobriety tests. Unfortunately, the driver was unable to perform the tasks and was arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Later on, the driver provided a sample that showed a blood alcohol content over three times the legal limit.
Small Fish Problems
Officer Stiltner responded to a call about two individuals keeping undersized mutton snapper at Phil Foster Park Fishing Pier. Upon arrival, Officer Stiltner observed the two individuals and conducted inspections related to fisheries regulations. One of the individuals attempted to leave with their cooler, but Officer Stiltner intercepted them and requested to inspect it. Inside, they discovered two undersized mutton snapper and an undersized yellowtail snapper. As a result, one citation was issued for possession of undersized mutton snapper, while a warning was given for possessing an undersized yellowtail snapper.
Netting To See Here
Officers Rea and Defeo were on patrol at the STA 1 East entrance in Loxahatchee off Southern Blvd when they noticed six individuals returning from the water carrying buckets filled with fish and cast nets. Suspecting possible violations, they conducted an inspection related to fisheries regulations. To their surprise, they found two largemouth bass at the bottom of one of the buckets.
When the officers were asked if there were any more fish in the back of the pickup truck they arrived in, they were informed that there were none. However, upon conducting a thorough investigation, they discovered another bucket filled with fish, including an additional largemouth bass and three crappie. It’s important to note that largemouth bass and crappie are considered game fish and cannot be caught using a cast net. As a result, all individuals involved received citations accordingly.
Illegally Taking Birds
During Officer Rea’s patrol in STA 1 East with his marked vehicle, he witnessed an individual attempting to hunt migratory birds in the waterway using a.22 caliber air rifle. Additionally, this particular area was closed to the public. Consequently, the subject was issued a citation for these violations.
