Villagers asked to break up gathering near Morse Boulevard bridge

Villagers craving companionship have been running afoul of restrictions on social distancing aimed at stopping the spread of the Coronavirus.

Villagers were asked Sunday evening to break up a gathering near the Morse Boulevard bridge. Sumter County sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene and asked the Villagers, who had driven their golf carts to the area, to disperse.

The grassy area at the northern end of the bridge has become a favorite gathering place since restrictions were put in place by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Villagers have been gathering in driveways and at the town squares, not always observing the six-foot distancing recommended by public health experts.

The governor’s stay-at-home order will expire Thursday. Regional recreation centers and their swimming pools are scheduled to re-open on Monday, May 4.

Some Villagers are fearful the re-opening is coming too soon.

“The arc of cases has not gone down, I would like to see the pools and recreation centers stay closed until the end of May. I would rather be closed too long than open too early,” said Michael Conley of the Village of Winifred.