FWC begins installation of waterway markers in Levy County for amended Manatee Protection Zone

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began work on June 18 to replace and install new waterway markers for manatee protection and boating safety zones within Levy County. The project is expected to be completed by August of this year.

The FWC amended manatee protection rules near Yankeetown in the Withlacoochee River, Levy County to improve manatee protection and boating safety. The key change includes a new year-round Slow Speed Zone in the narrow channel south and west of the Highway 40 boat ramp.

While adding these additional markers to designate this zone, the FWC will also perform routine maintenance and replace degraded waterway markers to better designate surrounding manatee protection and boating safety zones.

Boaters and personal watercraft users are reminded to comply with the regulatory signs on waterways and are urged to use caution, particularly in narrow waterways, while sign construction is underway.

For more information on manatee protection zones, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee and click on “Manatee Protection Zones” under “Manatee Management.”

For more information about waterway management, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and select “Waterway Management.”