The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a public hearing to collect input on proposed changes to manatee protection zones in Levy County. The event is scheduled for January 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Inglis Community Center located at 137 Highway 40 West in Inglis.
The FWC is collaborating with Levy County and other stakeholders to evaluate potential modifications, particularly near the mouth of the Withlacoochee River. The hearing will allow the public to ask questions and provide information directly to FWC staff.
Details about the review process can be found at MyFWC.com/Manatee under Rulemaking. Current maps and descriptions of manatee protection zones are available by navigating to the manatee page and selecting Data and Maps. These zones aim to minimize injuries to manatees caused by boats in areas frequently used by these marine mammals.
Feedback from this workshop will assist FWC staff in developing recommendations for rule adjustments, which will later be reviewed by FWC Commissioners during a future meeting.
This initiative aligns with the statewide manatee management plan approved in 2007, which mandates periodic assessments of existing protection zones for necessary updates.
For further details, visit MyFWC.com/Manatee and click on Protection Zones.