CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – It doesn’t get more Florida than a boater skip day.
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Thousands took to the water Friday to participate in the event on the St. Johns River.
Some boaters explained the origins of the unique event. Years ago, someone created a Facebook group calling for everyone to take a day off from work and go out on the water.
Over the years, it has grown, attracting thousands who gather in the river every first Friday of June to take a break from reality and enjoy life.
“I just wanted to come out here and relax,” Steven Shrowder said, a hardworking businessman participating in boater skip day for the fourth time. “Just enjoy and come out here with friends and just relax. We work every day. Today is like a special day for us,” he added.
Shrowder and his fiancée felt they needed a break from their business, Steveo’s Elegance, a remodeling company. They wanted a day to soak up some sun, meet up with friends, and vibe on the river.
“He’s a softball coach, so he doesn’t even get a chance to get off. This is a special day,” his fiancée said.
Shrowder echoed her sentiments: “Getting off of work is always special for me. Getting off and hanging out with my fiancée.”
This feeling resonates with many who are overworked and tired but need to step back and relax. That’s why this event has grown over the years.
News4Jax Reporter Briana Brownlee and photojournalist Jesse Hanson rode along with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to see what it’s like on the water for law enforcement.
“The conditions of weather, heat-related illnesses, injuries with anchors, intoxication, and all of that—you’ve got to have as much help as you can,” Deputy Brooks Morrell said. “It’s not a Clay County Sheriff’s O event or anything; we are out there for the health, safety, and security of everybody.”
Last year, there were 21 arrests related to boater skip day.
“Our main goal is zero arrests,” Deputy Morrell said. He stressed that it starts with everyone being safe and making responsible decisions while still having fun.
“When you put a lot of people in one spot—alcohol, medical conditions—like I said, we are out there to make sure everyone has a good time,” he added.
For Steven and his fiancée, this year is particularly special. Not only are they preparing for their wedding, but they are also taking their new boat out on the water for the first time.
“We just got it yesterday, so that’s another thing we are enjoying—our brand new boat,” Shrowder said.
