BOCA RATON, Fla. — What once was a private birthday party in the early 2000s has now turned into one of the most anticipated and talked-about gatherings in southern Palm Beach County.
The "Boca Bash" launched Sunday at Lake Boca Raton. The last Sunday of April has traditionally brought in thousands of boaters across the state to Boca Raton.
WATCH: Boaters gather on Lake Boca Raton for 'Boca Bash'
In 2024, "Boca Bash" faced criticism after a viral video on social media showed a group of people on a boat dumping trash into the ocean.
The video was posted on YouTube by Wavy Boats, which takes videos of boats riding through rough inlet waters.
The video showed two people on the boat grab two large trash bins and dump the contents overboard.
The boat was then seen driving away while all the trash was left floating in the wake.
One of the teens was a 15-year-old from Gulf Stream and the other was a 16-year-old from Boynton Beach.
Arrest reports for both teens stated they each face a third-degree felony of causing pollution so as to harm or injure human health or welfare, animal, plant, or aquatic life or property.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) took over the investigation.
WPTV reached out to FWC about this year's safety protocols.
"Bad decisions can quickly turn a fun day on the water into a tragedy," said Maj. Michael Davis, South Alpha Regional Commander. "Our officers will be out monitoring activity to help ensure everyone makes it home safely."
