Commissioners hope to reopen Lake Cassidy in January

Holmes County officials have temporarily closed the Lake Cassidy boat ramp property following a video that circulated earlier this week showing a violent altercation taking place at the site.

County Commissioners voted unanimously for the closure when the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in regular session Tuesday, August 19.

The decision came amid an investigation launched by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office to identify those involved, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred around 4 a.m. Saturday, August 17. Video footage shows a large crowd of young adults gathered on the property when a fight broke out. One individual was knocked unconscious and repeatedly kicked and stomped before the violence was interrupted by the sound of a gunshot. The crowd began to scatter, but the video captures at least eight additional shots fired as people loaded into vehicles. While the gunshots can be heard in the video, it is not believed that any weapons were fired directly on any individual.

BOCC Chairman Earl Stafford immediately addressed the incident during the meeting, making a motion to close the property and install a gate to restrict access. Commissioners voted to keep the area closed until January 1, 2026.

Holmes County Sheriff John Tate told the Advertiser that investigators have identified several suspects from the video and are conducting interviews with eyewitnesses. 

“We will continue to update the public as more information becomes available,” said Tate. “It does take time to track all the parties down and interview them.”

Lake Cassidy has been the subject of debate since the county purchased the property for more than $300,000 in February. Initially envisioned as a recreational site, the purchase was criticized by some residents and some officials who argued the county lacked the funds and a clear plan to manage the property safely.

Other residents point to the property’s recreational value and local history, as it is one of few local bodies of water that provide opportunities for activities such as water skiing and boating, and many locals cite childhood memories of spending family time at the lake.

Commissioners recently approved the sale of annual access decals, which they hoped would help deter unlawful or nuisance activity while possibly generating some revenue to help offset maintenance costs.