By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter
Sheriff Bobby McCallum told county commissioners Tuesday that more than 20 people were arrested at Crab Fest in East Williston last week on charges ranging from stolen guns to racing bikes, drugs of all kinds and warrants, but his efforts to keep trouble tamped down brought allegations of profiling.
McCallum said law enforcement officers closed County Road 318, site of the festival a couple hours early this year and questioned people attempting to drive into nearby neighborhoods, asking them where they were going, what families they were planning to visit, the address of the family, and the name of the family member they were visiting.
“If you can’t answer those questions, all of a sudden I was profiling,” McCallum said.
McCallum said all but three of the people arrested were from other areas of the state or from out of state.
The sheriff estimates the cost to Levy County taxpayers will be in the neighborhood of $15,000 to $20,000 for his department. He said other counties and the Florida Highway Patrol absorb their own costs.
The county has never attempted to charge for its law enforcement services during Crab Fest. East Williston is an unincorporated area and there is no central organization responsible for the gathering. The festival occurs at about the same time every year right on cue.
The murder of one man and wounding of four others at the 2013 Crab Fest has led to a bigger police presence during the festival. The sheriff’s office, Williston police, FHP and other counties including Marion volunteered officers and equipment last week when an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people converged on CR 318 for the annual street party.
Williston City Council President Nancy Wininger said the city supported law enforcement’s efforts to question people before they could enter East Williston neighborhoods. She said if someone said they were going to visit grandma, law enforcement would ask them for the name of their grandma. If they didn’t know the name they weren’t allowed to travel to the neighborhood.
“We appreciate that,” she said.
McCallum said he always worries about what could happen at Crab Fest when thousands of people gather on County Road 318.
“All I know is when 10,000 people take over 318 it’s not good. It’s an accident waiting to happen. It’s an open invitation to a drive-by shooting,” McCallum said.
McCallum said he drew the ire of one group when he wouldn’t allow them to sell parking in a county right-of-way.
There were reports of slurs being hurled at law enforcement officers patrolling the festival. Officers didn’t respond to the slurs and insults thrown their way.
Wininger said she believes there may be a group attending the Williston City Council meeting tonight to complain about issues related to Crab Fest. The council meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the replacement City Hall, formerly Williston High School.
Levy Board of County Commission Regular Meeting May 8, 2018
Posted May 8, 2018
