A Bradenton man accused of boating while intoxicated pleaded no contest to the reckless operation of a vessel.
Ryan M. Davis entered the plea April 21, just days ahead of a scheduled jury trial in the 12th Circuit at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Davis, 44, at about 3:40 a.m. Feb. 21, 2022, near the 4500 block of 124th St. Court W. in Cortez.
U.S. Coast Guard officers had observed a Carolina skiff lacking illumination in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Cortez Bridge, according to court records.
The vessel later was found stuck in the sand and the MCSO responded to conduct a BUI investigation of the vessel’s operator and sole occupant, Davis.
An MCSO report said Davis had red, glassy eyes and a flush face and showed signs of impairment.
Davis was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he refused a breath test.
In court, the charge was amended from DUI to reckless operation of a vessel, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Judge Heather Doyle withheld adjudication pending Davis’ completion of 12 months on probation and 25 hours of community service.
Davis’ attorney is Connie Mederos Jacobs.
Christine Neilson is the prosecutor.
— Lisa Neff