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'Float party' just another day at the beach

Posted at 6:43 PM, May 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-23 17:08:04-04
Pinellas County deputies swarmed St. Pete Beach on Sunday to prepare for the worst.
 
Local rapper Forgiato Blow organized a "float party" similar to the one that occurred in Miami last month.  
 
The Miami party caused damage to the beach. St. Pete Beach city leaders were worried Sunday’s party would do the same.
 
"This is an unauthorized non-permitted event," Mayor Maria Lowe said.
 
Lowe urged Blow to get a permit for the event, but Blow didn't feel that it wasn't necessary since it was a gathering of his fans on a public beach.  
 
"This is a meet and greet. Come out here, bring a float and have fun with us," Blow said.
 
Thousands were expected to attend the party, but only hundreds attended. Some locals compared the atmosphere Sunday to any other weekend beach day.  
 
A sheriff's spokesperson reported no major disturbances throughout the day.  
 
"People did the right thing. They heard the message of ‘please show our city respect,’" Lowe said.
 
Lowe does plan to look into changing the city ordinance on big beach parties.