May 24, 2013
The Navy is conducting a mine warfare exercise in the Gulf of Mexico along a 30-mile stretch of the Florida Panhandle coast.
The 10-day exercise continues through Saturday from Panama City Beach to Destin. The Coast Guard is warning boaters to stay at least 100 yards away from the exercise area or else face arrest.
The maximum penalty for violating the naval vessel protection zone is six years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
