Zak Weinberg:
Floatopia is an event like Halloween, minus some of the spracked out out of towners who look like their waiting in line for VH1’s a Shot at Love tryouts. Essentially, Floatopia is a giant party on the beach, but in recent years the mega-event has sparked concerns from local tax payers, as well as environmentalists. According to Lt. Brian Olstead, of Isla Vista Foot Patrol, 2009’s event “probably cost the city tens of thousands of dollars.” Olstead also claimed Floatopia is more dangerous than Halloween because “there’s the added danger of the water. People can drown. I could see something happening [to stop Floatopia] because of the dangers involved and the resources required to keep bad things from happening.”
Last year there were 70 citations and 13 medical emergencies. But among the financial constraints of Floatopia include environmental issues. University of Santa Barbara, the first school to develop an environmental studies major after the Santa Barbara Oil Spill in 1969, prides itself on sustainability and environmental protection. This year event organizers are attempting to take the immediate impact of thousands of drunken students on the local ocean ecosystem more seriously.
The event’s facebook page claims efforts have been made to put portable restroom facilities on the beach, as well as trash and recyclable containers. Also, the alcohol ban on Isla Vista beaches is still in place, which local officials hope will reduces waste as well alcohol related incidents. However in regards to the ban was this statement, found under the information section of the Floatopia 2010 Facebook Page:
kk for sure im hammered ive even talked to freshman theyre all down to pregame the hell outta the day and walk down to the beach with NO alcohol. which means no mips just a lot of fucked up kids who if they need more will make the small walk back to theyre dorm or someone in iv for a re-up of the liquid awesomeness. you know what i mean? beacuse since people tried to do flotopia 2 last year the board has had a legit reason to ban alcohol on the beach. so fuck that lets respect their law lets get beyon shitty at our own places go down with NO alcohol, have a legit floatopia and take a 2 minute walk back to get re-fucked up? you get what im tryin to say lol?”
Also in attempt to reverse the alcohol ban, some event organizers have suggested implementing a waste pledge list. Only kegs and red cups would be allowed on the beach, and each person who desires to drink on the beach would be required to sign a list promising to bag their red cup.
So far, Floatopia has just under 9,00o confirmed guests, with the event still three weeks away. The official date is April 10th.
Click here for official Ole Today updates regarding Floatopia
Also make sure to check out: Extravaganza Line-up Preview
For something entirely random check out: The Coolest Houses in Isla Vista
Girls, wanna look fly this Floatopia? Check out staff writer Sarah Vitug’s Summer Style Guide
Guys, wanna get jacked for Floatopia? Check out Jeff Cuaron’s article on Getting the Beach Bod
