Temple Terrace Man Accused Of Boating Under Influence

TAMPA, FL — A Temple Terrace man was arrested Saturday for boating under the influence after submitting breath tests showing twice the legal limit of alcohol allowed to operate a boat.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Brian Watters, 29, was operating a boat in the Seddon Channel just before 8 p.m. when the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers, stopped the boat to do a safety check.

Deputies noticed multiple empty beer cans on the boat. During the safety inspection, they said Watters had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.

After completing field sobriety tasks, Watters was arrested for BUI. He submitted breath tests of .215 and .219 percent, more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent under state law.

"This type of behavior is incomprehensible," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This man selfishly put the lives of others at risk. Let this be a reminder for all that drinking and driving is illegal, and anyone caught in the act will be charged to the fullest extent of the law. Luckily, nobody was injured as a result of this man's foolish actions."

Watters was booked into the Orient Road Jail without incident.