Levy County’s injunction against CrabFest organizer granted

Eighth Judicial Circuit Judge Craig DeThomasis granted an injunction to Levy County on Wednesday ordering that the annual CrabFest organizer cease from planning and holding the event.

According to the ruling, “a likelihood of irreparable harm and the unavailability of an adequate remedy at law,” and “granting the injunction will not disserve the public interest,” are reasons for the injunction.

“The evidence and testimony presented at hearing demonstrates that the CrabFest event in the past has attracted approximately 8,000 or more people to a location in unincorporated Levy County,” the ruling states.

The temporary injunction orders that CrabFest organizer Keniuel Gates, “shall immediately cease and desist from any activities promoting, organizing, or conducting the 2021 CrabFest event or similar event.”

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office has issued a traffic advisory for Saturday, in case the event happens.

According to the alert, “The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public of potential traffic delays on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

The public should be aware of an anticipated traffic detour and delays on US Alt. 27 northbound near the intersection of CR 316 and on CR 318 at the intersection of CR 335.

The Sheriff’s Office will have additional check points established at all county roads entering into the planned event site on CR 318 and access will be restricted to residents only. The intersections are as follows: CR 318 at CR 335, CR 335 at NE 35th Street, CR 331 A (NE 205th Avenue) at NE 50 Street (Mixon Road), US Alt. 27 A at CR 318, and US Alt. 27 A at NE 35th Street.

“It will require all of us,” Tummond said about how many deputies will be involved in monitoring traffic on Saturday. “Keep in mind we have also requested mutual aid assistance from Marion County, Alachua County and the FHP.”

On April 16, Gates started advertising on social media for a protest and march at 10 a.m. on Saturday. “Williston and surrounding areas, God is about to make his name great right before your eyes,” he commented and encouraged followers to “continue to share” the notice of the event.