The City of Boca Raton, recently re-elected Mayor Scott Singer, and the City of Boca Police Department all took to social media this weekend to implore residents to refrain from gathering in large groups in the Intracoastal Waterway.
Amidst closures of many restaurants and businesses in Boca Raton and surrounding areas, Lake Boca in the Intracoastal Waterway has remained a popular gathering place for boat parties. Gatherings of more than ten people are being strongly discouraged by local and state governments, as well as the White House, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As noted by all three entities in their statements via social media, the Intracoastal Waterway, which includes Lake Boca, is governed by the State of Florida, and the Boca Raton Police Department does not have jurisdiction over state waters.
Update: Palm Beach County has now banned all recreational boating indefinitely.
See below for social media statements from the City, the Mayor, and the Police Department.
Last week, the City of Boca Raton declared a state of emergency and closed all city facilities, including parks, beaches, libraries, and community centers. For a list of last week’s most significant coronavirus-related developments, click here.
