The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is organizing a rule development workshop to gather public input on potential modifications to existing manatee protection zones in Levy County. The workshop will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on September 5, at the Inglis Community Center, located at 137 Highway 40 West in Inglis.
The FWC has collaborated with Levy County and other stakeholders to assess possible changes to the rule, particularly near the mouth of the Withlacoochee River. This public workshop provides an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and share information with FWC staff.
Details about the ongoing review can be found at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on Rulemaking. Maps and descriptions of current manatee protection zones are accessible by visiting the manatee page and selecting Data and Maps. These zones aim to reduce injuries to manatees from boats by enforcing slower boat speeds in areas frequently used by manatees, supported by data.
FWC staff will utilize input from this workshop to develop recommendations for potential rule adjustments. Any proposed changes will be reviewed by FWC Commissioners at a future Commission meeting.
This initiative is part of the statewide manatee management plan approved in 2007, which mandates periodic reviews of existing manatee protection zones to determine if updates are necessary.
For further information, visit MyFWC.com/Manatee and click on Protection Zones.