On Saturday October 7th, 2023, a 20ft ski boat was traveling through a canal, in Winter Haven, that connects Lake Lulu to Lake Eloise. Several occupants had been standing on the side of vessel and on the center-mounted engine cover, holding onto the wake-board tower. At approximately 5:50 pm the vessel sped towards the West Lake Eloise Drive Bridge. All but one of the occupants was able to avoid striking the bridge. That occupant was struck in the face by the bridge, causing serious, disfiguring injuries to her face. The vessel went to a nearby boat ramp where the injured occupant was treated by EMS and transported to the hospital.
Victim: Admitted to Lakeland Regional Hospital ICU.

“The Ski Centurion was heading east through Lake Lulu towards Lake Eloise on its way to Lake Winterset. The vessel was cruising  with seven people on board. The water was calm and there was a light breeze. As the vessel approached the Eloise-Lulu Canal, OP1 was in actual physical control. Several of the occupants on the Ski Centurion, including the operator had been consuming alcohol. As they approached the canal, a Polk County Idle Speed Zone sign and bridge clearance marker were visible. Several occupants were standing on the sides of vessel and on the center-mounted engine cover, holding onto the wake-board tower..”
Elosie-Lulu canal
WINTER HAVEN                  