The Brief
- A 56-year-old boater died on Thursday after hitting a small island near Bay Pines in Pinellas County.
- Safety officials warn of spikes in boating accidents, alcohol use and inexperienced operators during Labor Day weekend.
- Experts urge boaters to slow down, designate a sober driver or hire a captain.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A 56-year-old man was killed Thursday when his boat crashed into a small island near Bay Pines Bridge and War Veterans Park in Pinellas County.
Officials said Pal Pataki was the only person on board and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, but deputies say it does not appear suspicious.
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