WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — If you're out on the Wakulla River this weekend, law enforcement wants you to make sure you're following social distancing guidelines.
The Wakulla County Sheriff's office is deploying two boats this weekend to enforce the social distancing guidelines.
The move comes after deputies say they received numerous complaints about large sandbar and boat parties on the Wakulla River. Deputies called it one of their current "top complaint generators."
While WCSO says they will make sure the waterways see more of a law enforcement presence this weekend, they're also expecting Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation to help out with enforcement.
“Social distancing guidelines apply to land the same as they do on the water," said WCSO spokesperson Chris Savary.
Normally, people gathering together, tying up boats and generally having a good time out on the water is allowed.
"You can be there, you just can’t have a bunch of boats tied together within the same vicinity," Savary explained.
Deputies say they're not stop people from going on the river.
Instead, they're making sure people don't congregate in large groups, potentially exposing everyone within the group to COVID-19. That means you can't have 10 or more people gathered in one place.
"We just can’t have that right now," Savary asserted.
Right now, deputies say there’s no discussion being had about closing boat ramps.
Again, the want to make sure people understand that even if you go out into the water, social distancing guidelines still apply.
