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Gilchrist County finalizes safety agreement with Ginnie Springs after deadly shootings
TRENTON, Fla. (WCJB) — Gilchrist County commissioners have finalized a new agreement with Ginnie Springs aimed at improving safety and reducing crowding during holiday weekends.
County leaders said the agreement has been in the works for more than a year, following two deadly shootings at Ginnie Springs last Memorial Day weekend.
The new agreement spells out stricter safety requirements at Ginnie Springs, including mandatory security on holiday weekends, monitoring crowd sizes, and limiting vehicle access inside the park. Camping is now restricted to designated areas, quiet hours will be enforced after midnight, and amplified music will only be allowed for park-sponsored events.
Commissioners said the goal is to create a family-friendly atmosphere that discourages the rowdy behavior and heavy drinking that have led to problems in the past.
It is a sad statement when even one commissioner’s opinion for lax safety requirements be withheld to ensure the safety of all.
I applaud Gilchrist County Commissioners for taking steps that will make a safer environment for everyone.