Weekiwachee Preserve Closed Due to Large Gatherings

News Release

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be closing the WeekiWachee Preserve, located in coastal Hernando County, effective Thursday, April 2 for all uses until further notice.

The District took steps to remind recreational users to follow the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis and to uphold the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to practice social distancing by avoiding gatherings larger than 10 people and distancing themselves a minimum of six feet from others.

However, the District has received multiple reports from law enforcement officials that some members of the public have not followed these guidelines and have been gathering in groups larger than 10 at the Weekiwachee Preserve. The District’s decision to temporarily close the Weekiwachee Preserve is in the interest of protecting public health and safety as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Other District-managed recreation lands remain open for individual and small group day use in the 16-county region as long as recreational users avoid gatherings larger than 10 people and distance themselves a minimum of six feet from others. The District appreciates the visitors who have followed these rules and encourage them to continue doing so.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we prioritize the protection of public health and safety. We look forward to welcoming recreational users back to WeekiWachee Preserve as soon as possible.

Visit WaterMatters.org/Recreation to learn about social distancing guidelines and other District properties that remain open.

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Special Updates