Boaters navigating to and from Lake Okeechobee should be advised that the S-193 Boat Lock at Taylor Creek in Okeechobee County will temporarily close tonight, Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 9:00 p.m., after today's normal operating hours.
The water level in Lake Okeechobee dropped below 11 feet NGVD or 10.70 feet NAVD, which means that this boat lock will remain closed to navigation for safety purposes until specific water levels are met.
The S-65 Boat Lock on Lake Kissimmee in Osceola County near the Polk County line will temporarily close next week for routine maintenance.
The boat lock will close at 7:30 p.m. after its normal operating hours on Sunday, June 14, 2026, and will re-open at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026. Boaters will not be able to lock through the structure and should make alternate plans.
The South Florida Water Management District (District) reminds boaters to exercise caution and practice safe boating during the upcoming holiday weekend.
Safety Reminders
Holiday weekends are traditionally a time of increased traffic on South Florida’s waterways. Boaters are encouraged to follow safe boating practices:
Boaters navigating to and from Lake Okeechobee should be advised that multiple navigational locks on Lake Okeechobee's north shore will temporarily close at the end of their operating hours tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, 2026. As the lake continues to recede, these locks are closing for safety purposes.
