Drones prohibited at Bradenton Area River Regatta

BRADENTON -- The 2016 Bradenton Area River Regatta is Saturday, and city of Bradenton officials ask that the public keep certain reminders in mind during planning, including that all drones are prohibited at the event.

If drones are spotted at the event then law enforcement has the right to halt all events temporarily. Officials said this is necessary because it is a safety issue due to the presence of low-flying aircraft to monitor for marine mammals, numerous water vessels traveling at high speeds and thousands of spectators.

Drones are small, remote-controlled aircraft that are available for personal use.

Other reminders include:

The Green Bridge will be closed to vehicles. Students who are taking the ACT on Saturday need to remember that the Green Bridge will be closed all day starting at 4 a.m. If you are traveling south to one of the testing sites, use the DeSoto Bridge and plan accordingly.

After the boat races are completed at approximately 4 p.m., law enforcement will clear the Green Bridge and close it in preparation of the fireworks display, scheduled to occur just before 7 p.m. The bridge will reopen after the fireworks show.

The Palmetto boat ramp will be closed. The Palmetto Police Department reminds boaters that the city's boat ramp will close at 8 a.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Sunday on the weekend of the event.

This story was originally published February 1, 2016 at 1:59 PM with the headline "Drones prohibited at Bradenton Area River Regatta ."