LEVY COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is putting planners of a ‘pop up’ party on notice that these events are unwanted and law enforcement will shut down any illegal activity.
The sheriff’s office says it has received word from multiple sources that a ‘pop up’ block party is being planned for the East Williston area for the late-night hours of Friday, Dec. 22.
In a news release, LCSO says organizers conceal the location of the parties to avoid detection by law enforcement. The sheriff’s office says these events have attracted thousands of participants from around the state, illegal activity and violence.
“Similar gatherings have brought street blockages, noise complaints, open air drug usage and violence to Levy County,” said the sheriff’s office in a news release. “In September of 2020, six people were shot during the ‘All Gas’ Block Party in East Williston.” Deputies say those crimes have not been solved.
The release also said a ‘pop up’ party in June in Lake Butler also turned violent. “During this event one person was shot, multiple businesses were closed, and multiple law enforcement agencies were called on to restore peace,” LCSO said in the release.
The sheriff’s office says so far, they have not seen anything on social media revealing a location for the block party planned for Friday.
The sheriff’s office sent a message to organizers on its Facebook page saying it will “use all available resources including the strict enforcement of the county’s noise ordinance to keep the peace” and ensure that everyone can enjoy the holidays.
The sheriff’s office also asked that anyone with information about potential illegal activity contact them at 352-486-5111 or Crime Stoppers 1-877-349-8477 (TIPS).