'Island Boy' Arrested on New Year’s Eve

In a dramatic end to 2025, one half of the viral sensation “Island Boys” was arrested on New Year’s Eve following a Florida traffic stop that turned up alleged drug paraphernalia. The incident has reignited public discussion about the duo’s ongoing legal troubles and how fame hasn’t shielded them from persistent brushes with the law. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, how authorities responded, and what this arrest could mean for the future of one of social media’s most controversial acts.

The Arrest: What Happened on New Year’s Eve

On December 31, 2025, Frank Venegas — better known to fans as one of the “Island Boys” — was arrested in Collier County, Florida. According to Fox 4 News:

“Around 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, deputies said they pulled over a car near State Road 29 and Kaicasa Lane. A police report said a car did not make a stop before a crosswalk before going into a major intersection. When they pulled over the car, deputies said Venegas was the passenger. They said he was ‘making furtive movements’ near the passenger and rear back seats. Deputies asked Venegas and the driver why they were moving so much. The report said they claimed to be getting paperwork for the car. The deputies asked them to step out of the car while it was searched.”

When authorities searched the car, they found a debit card with Venegas’s name on it coated in a white, powdery substance that tested positive for fentanyl, along with a cut straw that also tested positive for the drug. Venegas was booked into the Collier County Jail on drug possession charges — including possession of drug paraphernalia and a fentanyl-related offense — and remains in custody.

Charges and Circumstances

According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, deputies found multiple substances during the search of the vehicle. Aside from the fentanyl-linked items, authorities located a pill bottle containing a medication prescribed to the driver and additional bags with suspected controlled substances. Both Venegas and his female companion were taken into custody. Law enforcement noted that Venegas had been making “furtive movements” in the vehicle before the stop that raised suspicion, setting off the search that led to his arrest.

Previous Legal Troubles

This latest incident adds to a string of legal issues for the “Island Boy.” Earlier in 2025, Venegas was charged in February with drug possession and firearm offenses after another traffic stop in Naples, Florida. At that time, officers found pills and a handgun in his vehicle with an altered serial number — he was out on bond when the New Year’s Eve stop occurred.

His twin brother, Alex Venegas, has also faced his own set of public incidents. According to Hot 21 Radio, “Franky’s twin brother Alex also had major problems in 2025. Police detained Alex under Florida’s Baker Act for a mental health evaluation during a livestream. The Baker Act lets cops hold someone for 72 hours if they think the person might hurt themselves or others.”

Public Reaction and Impact on Career

The “Island Boys” rose to fame in 2021 with their viral hit “I’m an Island Boy,” capturing widespread attention on TikTok and beyond. But as their notoriety grew, so did scrutiny of their off-stage behavior. Venegas’ arrest on New Year’s Eve has sparked renewed debate among fans and critics alike, with many questioning how ongoing legal entanglements will affect the duo’s reputation and future projects. On social media platforms and forums, reactions have been mixed: some expressing concern for his well-being and calling for help, while others mocked the situation or pointed to the pattern of arrests.

What’s Next? Legal Proceedings Ahead

Venegas is currently being held without bond due to his status on a prior bond from the February case. Facing drug possession charges while out on bond for prior charges can complicate sentencing and pretrial considerations. Authorities have not yet released detailed comments beyond the initial reports, and it remains to be seen whether the “Island Boy” will issue a statement through his legal representatives or on social media — a platform that helped launch his career but now serves as a reminder of his complex public image.

The New Year’s Eve arrest of this “Island Boy” highlights the stark contrast between social media fame and real-world consequences. As Venegas confronts fresh charges at the start of 2026, observers will be watching closely to see how he navigates his legal challenges and what this means for the future of the “Island Boys” brand.