GILCHRIST COUNTY, Fla. — The family of a Jacksonville man killed at Ginnie Springs is suing the company that operates the popular outdoor recreation area.
While at Ginnie Springs Memorial Day weekend, police say Koty Stewart was shot and killed by another visitor.
“Koty died there with him [a witness who tried to help] and with Amber [Koty's wife] sobbing hysterically," Sam Hartiens, associate attorney at Campione Law Firm, said.
Stewart’s estate accused Ginnie Springs Outdoors LLC of not taking reasonable precautions to provide for the safety of visitors.
The estate is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and for better safety and security protocols at Ginnie Springs.
“Once you get past that gate, it's a no holds barred," lead attorney, Antoine Pecko, said.
Police say 18-year-old Fisher Watts shot and killed Stewart after a dispute.
“There were no checks, there were probably other guns there," Hartiens said.
“They're allowing, you know, guns to be brought in, they're allowing fighting to happen as well. They're packing everybody in there, like sardines," Pecko said.
Stewart’s killing was part of a violent Memorial Day weekend at Ginnie Springs. Another shooting injured two and killed Marco Mandujano, he was 26.
In 2020, the Gilchrist County Sheriff's office said a man drugged and sexually battered two women at the park.
“They shouldn't go to a park and be worried about being shot, being executed, or about illicit drug use," Pecko said.
In a statement to First Coast News, Ginnie Springs said, in part, it's "deeply concerned and upset about the incidents that took place Memorial Day weekend."
Since then, Ginnie Springs announced it will be enhancing safety including hiring a security expert to review and strengthen security measures.
Changes Pecko and Hartiens said are long overdue.
“Lots of people have great memories there. I know many friends that have awesome times, but at the end of the day, you want to be able to go somewhere without the fear of losing your husband, your wife, your friend," Hartiens said.
Ginnie Springs told us it will also take additional measures for the July 4th weekend and other busier times including increasing the number of off duty deputies and hiring guards from a private security firm.
The full statement from Ginnie Springs can be viewed below:
“Ginnie Springs is a family park. No firearms are allowed, excessive alcohol use is prohibited, and our policies are designed to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for both our guests and staff.
We are deeply concerned and upset about the incidents that took place during Memorial Day weekend. Since then we have, and will continue to take steps to improve park security, which we outlined on our website.
We will take additional measures for the July 4th weekend and other busier times. This includes increasing the number of off-duty deputies and enlisting guards from a private security firm. As always, rangers will patrol the park. We will monitor both camping and day admissions, and as necessary, enforce limits to prevent overcrowding.”