Florida is famous for its sunshine, its orange groves, and, more recently, some pretty wild videos of people losing their cool on the water. If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you probably saw that clip of a heated confrontation in Punta Gorda. It’s being called the "Peace River boat rage," and honestly, it’s a masterclass in how quickly a quiet night of fishing can turn into a legal nightmare.
The whole thing went down near the Barron Collier Bridge. You've got Gage Towles, a 22-year-old fisherman, just doing his thing under the US-41 bridge. Then, out of the darkness, comes Brock Horner. He’s a local charter captain—or he was—and he’s not happy. Horner pulls his boat, loaded with passengers, right up to Towles. He starts screaming about navigation lights and alleged slurs from a previous encounter. It’s intense. It’s loud. And it’s all being caught on a chest camera.
The Jump That Went Viral
The moment that changed everything wasn't the yelling. People yell on the Peace River all the time. No, the "point of no return" was when Horner actually jumped from his vessel onto Towles’ boat. Think about that for a second. In the middle of the river, at night, a grown man leaps onto a stranger's private property to continue a fight.
Towles is visibly shaken in the video. You can hear him pleading, "I'm a kid!" and "Chill, bro!" while Horner looms over him, claiming to be the "best charter captain" in the world and citing his status as a combat veteran. It’s a bizarre, scary scene. According to police reports and witness statements that surfaced later, Horner had allegedly been drinking heavily that day. Some reports even suggest his group hadn't caught a single fish, which maybe added to the frustration.
Serious Legal Fallout
The Punta Gorda Police Department didn't find the "best captain" claim very convincing. They arrested Horner shortly after the video exploded online. He wasn't just charged with a slap on the wrist, either. We’re talking about Burglary with Assault or Battery, which is a first-degree felony in Florida. Why burglary? Because legally, a boat is a conveyance. If you enter someone else's boat without permission to commit a crime (like assault), that’s burglary.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Coast Guard also jumped into the mix. When you hold a captain's license, you’re held to a higher standard. You're responsible for the safety of your passengers and everyone else on the water. Acting like a bouncer at a dive bar while you're at the helm of a commercial vessel is a fast way to lose your credentials.
Why This Matters for Local Boaters
This isn't just about one guy having a bad night. It’s a symptom of how crowded our waterways are getting. Punta Gorda is a boating paradise, but the Peace River and the canals in Punta Gorda Isles (PGI) are seeing more traffic than ever.
Tempers flare when people ignore "No Wake" zones or crowd someone's favorite fishing spot. But here’s the thing: Florida law is very clear about "Reckless and Careless Operation." Under Florida Statute 327.33, if you operate a vessel with "willful disregard for the safety of persons or property," you’re looking at a first-degree misdemeanor at minimum.
Common triggers for boat rage in our area:
- Bridge Etiquette: Boats are supposed to idle when passing under most bridges in the area.
- Navigation Lights: If it’s between sunset and sunrise, your red, green, and white lights must be on. No excuses.
- The "Unwritten Code": Respecting other anglers’ space. If someone is already anchored under the bridge, don't pull up ten feet away from them.
Dealing With Aggression on the Water
If you find yourself in Towles’ shoes, your instinct might be to fight back. Don't. Towles actually did the right thing by staying on his boat (until he felt he had to move away) and keeping the camera rolling.
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If someone starts harassing you:
- Maintain Distance: Throttle up and move away if it's safe to do so.
- Don't Engage: Yelling back only escalates the adrenaline.
- Record Everything: Your phone or a GoPro is your best witness.
- Call for Help: Use VHF Channel 16 or call 911 if you're in immediate danger.
Actionable Steps for Safer Boating in Punta Gorda
We all want to enjoy the Peace River without the drama. To keep yourself out of a viral video (and out of jail), keep these points in mind:
- Check Your Gear: Before you leave the dock at Ponce de Leon Park or your canal home, double-check your navigation lights. 2026 regulations are getting stricter about functional safety equipment.
- Mind the Wake: Especially in the canals of PGI and Burnt Store Isles. Excessive wake doesn't just annoy people; it damages seawalls that residents pay thousands in assessments to maintain.
- Alcohol Policy: It’s tempting to have a few beers while the sun sets, but BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is enforced heavily by Charlotte County deputies. If you're the captain, stay sober.
- Education is Key: If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you need a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. Even if you're older, taking a refresher course can remind you of the right-of-way rules that prevent these "he said, she said" arguments.
The Horner/Towles incident is a stark reminder that the laws of the land don't stop at the shoreline. A single moment of "boat rage" can lead to felony charges, lost livelihoods, and a permanent spot on the internet's wall of shame. Keep your cool, respect the river, and let the fish be the only thing that's aggressive out there.