He started it as a playground on the water for his kids and grandkids, but he's adopted a few more than expected over the years. Bob's River Place on the Suwannee River in Dixie County is a popular water attraction, that may be closed for the summer.
Bob Hawkins turned his 40-acre backyard into a child's dream. Water slides, rope swings, karaoke, and even zip lines. It became exactly what he'd hoped for. A place for kids to play the way he did growing up, but now county leaders are saying his dream may have grown too large.
Head of the Building and Zoning Department, John Jenkins, sent Hawkins a letter May 10th, telling him the river place does not comply with county zoning and building code. Jenkins says until Bob's River Place gets all the required permits, it's temporarily shut down. That order was rescinded and county commissioners are working with Bob Hawkins to keep the River Place open while getting the necessary permits.
Hawkins says; "i'm sure the people that come here and love this place will do whatever it takes to keep it going."