The Southwest Florida Water Management District(District) will reopen the Weekiwachee Preserve to the public effective Friday, May 8, 2020, for all uses.

Weekiwachee Preserve is located in coastal Hernando County and has no affiliation with Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

In keeping with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step. Plan” to reopen Florida, visitors to the Weekiwachee Preserve should maximize physical distance from others and avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people. In circumstances that do not “readily allow for physical distancing,” face masks are recommended.

The District temporarily closed the property April 2 after receiving multiple reports from law enforcement officials that some members of the public were not following social distancing guidelines and were gathering in groups larger than 10 people.

Other District-managed recreation lands remain open for individual and small group day use in the 16-county region. Recreational users should continue to maximize physical distance from others and avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people. The District appreciates the visitors who have followed these rules and encourage them to continue doing so.

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