Cocoa Beach man arrested for hosting underage house party

COCOA BEACH, Fla. - Cocoa Beach Police responded to a house party on Capri Road on Saturday night after receiving reports that one of the attendees might possess a firearm. Upon arrival, officers found around 50 teenagers inside the home, where homeowner Mark Reisinger, 56, had permitted the gathering to take place.

Reisinger was arrested and charged with Hosting an Open House Party, as Florida law prohibits adults in control of a residence from allowing minors to consume alcohol or drugs on the premises. Additionally, Reisinger faced a charge of resisting an officer without violence when he reportedly resisted police during the arrest.

The Cocoa Beach Police Department is emphasizing the legal consequences associated with hosting house parties, particularly those that involve minors and alcohol. They issued a statement underscoring their commitment to community safety and the importance of responsible adult supervision during gatherings.

This incident echoes a previous case in January when a school principal and a third-grade teacher were arrested for hosting a party for nearly 200 kids, including the principal's own children. This event occurred just 2.6 miles away from the recent gathering and resulted in multiple teens being found intoxicated, including one who passed out on the lawn.

The police continue to remind residents of Cocoa Beach about the serious implications of hosting such events, especially when they endanger the welfare of minors.