Public Safety

Alachua County deputies increase waterway patrols as drought closes Newnans Lake

Alachua County sheriff’s deputies are stepping up patrols on open lakes this Memorial Day weekend after drought conditions forced Newnans Lake to close to boating, a closure expected to push heavier traffic onto other area waterways. Deputies are reminding boaters to reduce speed, wear life jackets, and avoid operating boats while impaired, and will be checking that all vessels carry Coast Guard-approved safety equipment. AAA projects more than 39 million Americans will drive over the holiday weekend, with north-central Florida roads and waterways already seeing increased congestion.

Sources: WCJB TV20