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Transmittal of Letter From Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regarding Request for Seasonal Closure of Hospital Hole Included in Weeki Wachee River System for Manatee Protection
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has responded to Hernando County’s February 2, 2026, letter seeking the seasonal closure for manatee protection at Hospital Hole on the Weeki Wachee River.
The establishment of a seasonal “no-entry” zone for the protection of manatees falls under the authority of FWC, pursuant to the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act in Section 379.2431(2), Florida Statutes. The rulemaking process involves several steps, starting with an evaluation of existing data, the collection of new data if needed and a comprehensive evaluation of this information to determine if there is a need for rule development. When best available scientific data supports the need for a new or amended rule, FWC staff will move forward with rulemaking, pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act in Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, the Manatee Sanctuary Act, and the Uniform Rules of Procedure related to rule making in Chapter 28-103, Florida Administrative Code. Once the Manatee Protection Zone rulemaking process is initiated, it may take 12-18 months to complete rulemaking.
FWC staff denies Hernando’s request to initiate rulemaking due to a lack of sufficient information at this time. They do, however, acknowledge the unique characteristics of Hospital Hole and have also identified this site for consideration in future rulemaking efforts within this region. FWC staff are currently working closely with Hernando County staff and local partners on data collection efforts and monitoring at this site for future assessments to inform potential rulemaking decisions. They will collaborate with Hernando County early in that process to discuss shared conservation objectives.
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This item is for informational purposes only; no action is needed.