Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission begins installation of updated waterway markers in Levy County to support amended manatee protection zone

Levy County, Florida – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has started work on a new phase of waterway safety improvements in Levy County, launching the installation and replacement of navigation markers tied to an amended manatee protection zone near Yankeetown.

The project began on June 18 and is expected to continue through August. Officials say the effort is part of a broader push to improve both manatee protection and boating safety along key waterways in the Withlacoochee River system, an area that sees steady recreational and local boat traffic throughout the year.

At the center of the update is a revised manatee protection rule near Yankeetown, specifically within a narrow channel located south and west of the Highway 40 boat ramp. The change introduces a new year-round Slow Speed Zone designed to reduce the risk of collisions and disturbances in areas where manatees are known to travel.

FWC crews are now installing new waterway markers to clearly identify the updated zone boundaries. These markers are intended to guide boaters through the area while reinforcing speed restrictions and improving awareness of protected waters. In addition to the new installations, the agency is also replacing older or degraded markers to ensure that existing boating and manatee protection zones remain clearly visible and up to date.

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While construction is underway, the FWC is urging boaters and personal watercraft operators to remain alert and follow all posted regulatory signs. Officials also emphasized extra caution in narrow waterways, where boat traffic can become concentrated and reaction time is limited.

The agency noted that compliance with speed zones and posted markers plays a direct role in protecting manatees, which are vulnerable to vessel strikes, especially in areas where waterways narrow or traffic increases. The updated zone near Yankeetown is one of several efforts across the state aimed at balancing recreational boating access with wildlife conservation.

FWC officials stressed that the improvements are not only about enforcement, but also about clarity. Properly placed and maintained markers help reduce accidental violations and provide boaters with the information they need to navigate safely and responsibly.

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As the project continues through the summer, residents and visitors in Levy County may see increased activity on the water as crews install new signage and replace aging infrastructure. Authorities say the work has been scheduled during the warmer months to ensure completion ahead of peak seasonal boating activity.

Boaters seeking additional details about the updated manatee protection zones can find more information at MyFWC.com/Manatee and selecting “Manatee Protection Zones” under “Manatee Management.” Information about broader waterway regulations and boating safety guidelines is also available at MyFWC.com/Boating under the “Waterway Management” section.

Once completed, the upgraded marker system is expected to provide clearer navigation, stronger protection for marine life, and improved safety for all users of the Withlacoochee River waterways in Levy County.