Sheriff`s Corner

Hi everyone and welcome to this weeks Sheriff's Corner. We are very busy at this time with several areas of the county experiencing an increased number of burglaries. We are watching several small groups we think are responsible for these cases. We anticipate making arrests in the near future.

Next, I need to talk to everyone about a situation that is growing throughout our county. Apparently, every single Levy County resident now owns a 4-wheeler ATV. However, seriously speaking, we are receiving calls for service and complaints about speeding 4-wheelers. 4-wheelers riding up and down our roads and highways after dark and into the early morning hours.

We've received complaints from all areas of the county, including areas of CR 345, the sand pits in Bronson, areas of 27A, Manatee Springs, and many more. In response, our deputies are going to be looking for offenders and will charge the offenders when appropriate.

The state statute defines ATV or All Terrain Vehicles as "any motorized off-highway vehicle 50 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 900 pounds or less, designed to travel on three or more low-pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control, and intended for use by a single operator with no passenger."

The statute also states that "no person under 16 years of age shall operate, ride, or otherwise be propelled on an all-terrain vehicle unless the person wears a safety helmet meeting US DOT standards and eye protection." You also may not operate these vehicles on public roads, streets, or highways of Florida.

If you have any questions, please give us a call. ATV's are for fun, recreation and sporting endeavors. They can be very dangerous, though, if not handled properly. Know the laws governing these vehicles. Be safe. Take care.