Sol Fest EDM Festival at Vortex Springs ends with 50+ arrests, deputy with chunk bitten out of head

What was billed as "a safe haven where people can connect, establish life long friendships, and create memories that will help them heal from loss and the challenges of life" turned into more than a handful for local law enforcement.

The EDM festival Sol Fest was put on last weekend, May 2-5th 2024 at Vortex Springs in Ponce De Leon. While the festival did occur as planned, it was marred by what festival goers reported to be poor logistical planning as well as multiple incidents with local law enforcement. an estimated 10,000 guests in an estimated 5000 vehicles descended on Vortex starting on Wednesday and continuing through the weekend, which proved to be more than the local infrastructure could handle as entry was delayed on Wednesday resulting in hundreds of cars piling up on local roadwas leading up to the springs. In anticipation of heavy traffic exiting the festival, Ponce De Leon Schools were canceled on Monday to allow festivalgoers to leave.

The festival's anticipated good vibes were marred by multiple police interactions throughout the weekend, as officials reported over 50 people were arrested for drug possession and other similar petty charges, including one Vortex staffer who was arrested after being found in possession and under the influence of multiple illegal substances. The biggest violation of all occurred when a man who was under the influence of PCP and other substances bit a chunk of a deputies head off.

All in all it was a rocky start to Sol Fest first year at Vortex Springs. Will they return for another year? Only time will tell. Officials are already working to alter the law in order to prohibit events like these from happening in the first place, while the owner of Vortex Springs says she'd be happy to host the event again.

Photo byJohn ThomasonUnsplash