Protest Planned In Riverview Causes Road Closure

BLOOMINGDALE-RIVERVIEW —As protests continue across the nation and in Tampa Bay in the wake of the Minnesota death of George Floyd, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said officers plan to monitor a protest in the Riverview area.

Law enforcement cautions drivers that portions of the roadway will be closed for hours in this area to keep protesters and drivers safe. Authorities want drivers to remain alert.

Regarding protest incidents in nearby Lakeland, a person was seen hit by a car on a Twitter video during Sunday protests, Lakeland Patch reported.

The protest is planned to take place near the intersection of U.S. 301 and Big Bend Road on June 2 at 5 p.m.

"We are asking drivers to find alternative routes prior to beginning their evening commute and to drive with caution through the area of U.S. 301 and Big Bend Road in anticipation of potential road closures," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news release. "We want to create a safe environment for everyone, both protesters and motorists."

The sheriff's office will post any updated traffic alerts on its Twitter account, @HCSOSheriff, throughout the evening to keep everyone informed of additional road closures.