It’s a big boating weekend in Central Florida.
Law enforcement will be out making sure that boaters are safe.
In Brevard County, there’s an extra manatee enforcement effort this holiday weekend.
Even though you may not be able to see them, manatees are everywhere, especially in Brevard County.
More manatees have been counted in Brevard County than anywhere else in the state.
So the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are adding patrols, looking for those going too fast in manatee protection zones.
The endangered sea cows are slow.
“Even if you’re going really slow, or if you’re in a jet boat or any type of vessel, you take a manatee, you hit him on the back, you may crack the ribs of the manatee, you just never know,” said FWC Officer Lenny Salberg.
Three manatees have already been killed by boats this year in Brevard County.
So boaters are reminded to slow down when they see the manatee zone signs.
If not, it can cost you anywhere from $90 up to $5,000 in fines, even six months in prison.