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HomeUncategorizedHCSO Adds Additional Marine Unit to Patrol Weeki Wachee River

HCSO Adds Additional Marine Unit to Patrol Weeki Wachee River

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The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office officially expanded its Marine Unit today with the addition of a full-time deputy dedicated to patrolling the Weeki Wachee River.

The HCSO Marine Unit now consists of two full-time law enforcement officers.

The additional deputy was made possible by Guest Services, a kayak rental vendor that operates on the grounds of the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Guest Services recently entered into a contract with Hernando County to fund the new marine deputy, which the Sheriff’s Office agreed to fill.

While Guest Services is funding the new marine deputy, the Sheriff’s Office is paying for a new personal watercraft, trailer, and the various other equipment needed by the deputy to patrol the river.

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The new Marine Deputy assigned to the river is Deputy Steve Snell, a 30-year veteran of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

He will patrol the river 40 hours per week, which spans from Bayport to Weeki Wachee State Park.

Snell’s previous assignments included patrol, COPPS, selective enforcement and civil. Most recently he served as a school resource officer.

From 1998-2010, Deputy Snell also served as a member of the Marine Unit.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis said, “This new marine deputy, who is exclusive to the Weeki Wachee River to provide law enforcement, was made possible through our partnership with the kayak vendor at the Weeki Wachee State Park, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Sheriff.”

“This deputy’s salary will not cost the local taxpayers any additional money. Here is another example of county officials coming together to implement creative and cost-effective solutions. I am excited that this has been accomplished before the upcoming boating season,” the Sheriff stated.

Leslie Stein
Leslie Stein
Leslie Stein has over 35 years experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist working with neurologically impaired adults. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of South Florida in Speech Pathology.
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