Long but needs to be seen

[acesover]

Good morning. My name is Frank Imparato, and I am a new member of this site. In the interest of Public Safety, I felt compelled to inform all followers of this informative site of the following incident. First, let me start by saying I am a former Law Enforcement with 35 years of experience. Therefore, I am qualified to comment on the following description and violations of Florida Law (Statute 327.33. Reckless or careless operation of the vessel). —
(1) It is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless manner. A person is guilty of reckless operation of a vessel who operates any vessel; or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property at a speed or in a manner as to endanger, or likely to endanger, life or limb, or damage the property of, or injure any person. Reckless operation of a vessel includes but is not limited to, a violation of s. 327.331(6). Any person who violates a provision of this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(2) Any person operating a vessel upon the waters of this state shall operate the vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner, having regard for other waterborne traffic, posted speed and wake restrictions, and all other attendant circumstances so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. The failure to operate a vessel in a manner described in this subsection constitutes careless operation. However, vessel wake and shoreline wash resulting from the reasonable and prudent operation of a vessel shall, absent negligence, not constitute damage or endangerment to property. Any person who violates the provisions of this subsection commits a noncriminal violation as defined in s. 775.08.
(3) Each person operating a vessel upon the waters of this state shall comply with the navigation rules.
(a) A person who violates the navigation rules and the violation results in a boating accident causing serious bodily injury as defined in s. 327.353 or death, but the violation does not constitute reckless operation of a vessel, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b) A person who violates the navigation rules and the violation does not constitute reckless operation of a vessel commits a noncriminal violation as defined in s. 775.08, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
Chapter 327 Section 73 - 2012 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
(c) Law enforcement vessels may deviate from the navigational rules when such diversion is necessary to the performance of their duties and when such deviation may be safely accomplished.
(4) Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, the ascertainment of fault in vessel operations and boating accidents shall be determined according to the navigation rules.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-400; s. 3, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 6, ch. 81-100; s. 6, ch. 84-188; s. 6, ch. 86-35; s. 2, ch. 88-133; s. 2, ch. 89-136; s. 45, ch. 91-224; s. 1, ch. 92-92; s. 6, ch. 2000-362; s. 1, ch. 2011-152.
Note.—Former s. 371.50.
and public safety.
On Thursday, March 30, 2023, a friend, also a former member of the law enforcement booked a fishing trip on Headwaters Lake with Capt. Gerry from Vero Beach BIG Bass Fishing. We left the ramp area at about 0645 hrs. and headed down the South Canal. As we approached the first opening on the right that leads into North Lake area, an aluminum boat that was wrapped with advertisement from O’Reilly Auto Parts started to overtake us. The boat was operated by Roland Martin, recognizable from his famed TV series Fishing with Roland Martin.
Mr. Roland Martin positioned his boat so close to our vessel that as he passed on our port side we felt the spray from his boat. Based on my experience, I estimated his speed to be well above the posted 25 mph speed limit of this fishery. The speed limit is posted at the entrance to Headwaters Lake and applies to the entire reservoir for everyone’s safety. This posting was put up before the opening day of the fishery.
Immediately after passing us, Mr. Martin made a hard right turn across our bow. His reckless action caused us to take an immediate right turn into the cut to avoid broadsiding his vessel. The speed of his maneuver appeared to have caused him to strike the bottom in the shallows on the South side of the North Lake cut. This incident involving the two boats could have led to injuries and or possibly a fatality to anyone; if not all of the six occupants on board the two vessels. Mr. Roland Martin continued to operate his boat and accelerated away from us never stopping to see if his action had caused any injuries or damage at a high rate of speed as he entered the flat area.
Based on my observations of the way Mr. Roland Martin operated his vessel, not only satisfied the intent and presumption of FSS 327.33 but, displayed a total disregard for the safety and well-being of others and for the safety of his own passengers, his own well-being, and his vessel.
I would consider this post to be a Public Service/Safety announcement to other boaters not only based on my own personal experience but, after talking with several other boaters who have had similar incidents on headwaters lake, involving this highly identifiable boat operated Mr. Roland Martin. It appears he operates his vessels without fear of consequences from authorities. Perhaps Mr. Roland Martins believes that based on his fame and notoriety, the members of Fresh Water Game and Fish Commission are his personal friends.
Thank you
Frank F. Imparato, concerned citizen.
FLSENATE.GOV
Chapter 327 Section 73 - 2012 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate

the Headwaters Facebook page

[sanannbassman]

I met Mr. Martin, on a few occasions, I would say he was not a very humble, friendly or a polite person during those encounters. Just a bit of a bragger and acted like he did not have time for us "regular people". Unfortunately, as you know, there are many more like him. His disregard for safety is not a surprise to me either. "get out of my way I have to beat you to the spot" mentality is the feeling of many anglers today. I see it all the time on the water, from way too many anglers and boaters, especially in Florida lakes during this time of year. That is why I don't like weekend fishing,, and this happened on a Thursday. It is becoming normal and accepted behavior for many, regardless of their 'status'. But that is my opinion. I really wish that understanding the basic rules of the water be mandatory before you can register a boat in Florida. But in todays society, even that is controversial in itself. Frank, thank you for your service. it is too bad that you could not have taught him a lesson and written him up.

[Manatee Mauler]

I've been told multiple times he ia di'"k with ears. There was a story regarding his early tx years that exposes how much of a ***** he is. It was a ass open ( obviously years ago) and he refused the non boater to make a cast untill he had a limit. Isnt he from ny or up north somewhere? Just goes to prove you can take the yankee out of the north but ya cant take the north out of the yankee...lol. Couldnt resist. Yea complete ******* from people i know that knew him.

[Booster]

Have you posted this on Roland's FB page and on his YouTube page? Did you file a report with FWC?

[BOATS]

Scott is on here I think, maybe he will see it. Hope the op has proof.

[acesover]

Scott is on here I think, maybe he will see it. Hope the op has proof.

I would imagine two LEO's would be pretty good witnesses,
This is posted on the Headwaters FB page, I just copied it

[BOATS]

I would imagine two LEO's would be pretty good witnesses,
This is posted on the Headwaters FB page, I just copied it

Eyewitness evidence is the least reliable, no matter who it is. It has to match up with actual physical evidence. Somebody he talked to must have video proof. There are people being sued for liable for posting bad reviews on restaurants. Not saying the op is lying or making anything up, I would just proceed with caution.

[rangered]

We were at Headwaters lake in February and one day when we went to take
out there was Roland’s truck parked on one of the two ramps. I let my partner
out at the dock and backed the boat out of the way. I sat there and watched
him throw his leftover shiners one at a time into the lake. This took about
10 minutes all the while his truck and trailer had one of the two ramps blocked.
After jacking around with the shiners he loaded his boat and pulled 3/4 of
the way up the ramp and started talking to a couple guy’s while sitting in
his truck. There were at least 6-8 boats waiting to take out. My partner yelled
at him to pull his truck/boat out of the way so others could get loaded. He
just kinda looked at him and pulled into the parking lot real slow. It just
showed to me that he thinks it’s his world and we are all living in it. Complete
disregard for all the boaters waiting to load their boats that day. Son

[250bassFL]

Mid 90's Roland was great to me, and stopped and towed me into camp mack one of the times I blew my Evenrude on my Stratos. I had heard he was a nice guy, and he was with me.

[JohnD.]

He puts a lot of pressure on that lake via his youtube channel. I think he just posted the other day that he tore up his aluminum boat. I had a friendly encounter with him the only time I met him, his son ,not so much...

[cwilt]

This is sad. Unfortunately, acts like this are a common occurrence on Florida waterways. The explosive overpopulation will cause alot more scenarios like this.

[derek81]

Roland is an ass! Every encounter we have had with him he is an ass!

[cmbtvet]

He puts a lot of pressure on that lake via his youtube channel. I think he just posted the other day that he tore up his aluminum boat. I had a friendly encounter with him the only time I met him, his son ,not so much...

I've never met Roland but I have met Scott. I had a great experience with him. I think that celebrity interactions depend on how they are approached and what kind of day they are having, they are human after all. Sometimes though, they might just be a-holes all the time.

[Flabasspond]

Have had the pleasure to meet both several times- on and off the water. Have never had a bad experience- always respectful and positive,

[kissfan]

I've been told multiple times he ia di'"k with ears. There was a story regarding his early tx years that exposes how much of a ***** he is. It was a ass open ( obviously years ago) and he refused the non boater to make a cast untill he had a limit. Isnt he from ny or up north somewhere? Just goes to prove you can take the yankee out of the north but ya cant take the north out of the yankee...lol. Couldnt resist. Yea complete ******* from people i know that knew him.

Looks like he's from Maryland.

[bassfisher444]

I wonder how many Bassmaster Angler of the year titles this Frank guy has. If it had been just an average Joe in his boat we would never hear about it. Any video proof or actual evidence of what happened or just hearsay and estimations? It's on the Headwaters FB group with the comments turned off, I wonder why that is?

[acesover]

I wonder how many Bassmaster Angler of the year titles this Frank guy has. If it had been just an average Joe in his boat we would never hear about it. Any video proof or actual evidence of what happened or just hearsay and estimations?

What does it matter how many titles he has? Martin's reputation down here has really turned to crap. Why would you doubt that it happened? Happens all the time down there. Video proof? Do you video everything that happens on every fishing trip?

[bassfisher444]

What does it matter how many titles he has? Martin's reputation down here has really turned to crap. Why would you doubt that it happened? Happens all the time down there. Video proof? Do you video everything that happens on every fishing trip?

Many people make false statements or exaggerations when they are envious of famous people, nothing new. I haven't been to Headwaters so I have no Idea how much room is in the boat lanes, but I have been to places where it is so shallow you have to be on plane to get across them and that sounds like what Roland might have been doing.

[HawkDriver]

That lake should have stayed a kayak only lake

[acesover]

Narrow canal, 25mph speed limit which is blatantly ignored,and this clown gets close enough for the spray from his boat to get in the boat being overtaken. FWC needs to go down there and hand out a bunch of tickets to whoever does crap like this..