South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board Chairman Chauncey Goss and Executive Director Drew Bartlett provided an update this afternoon from the SFWMD’s Emergency Operations Center on the District’s ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Ian.
District Actions
- Continuing to work with Lee County to remove debris out of the drainage system with a focus on Ten Mile Canal, Telegraph Creek, Daughtrey Creek, Orange River and Hickey Creek.
- Continuing to work in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Osceola County, Orange County, City of Kissimmee and the City of St. Cloud to provide relief to impacted communities.
- Operating 19 high volume pumps to lower regional lake levels with more high volume pumps being added.
- Continuing to coordinate with our local, state and federal partners including FEMA to support local recovery efforts.
- Using water control structures and other navigational locks at full capacity to move water away from communities.
- SFWMD-managed lands in Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Okeechobee, Highlands, Glades, Charlotte, Hendry, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties are open. SFWMD-managed lands in Lee and Collier counties remain closed until further notice.
- The SFWMD's Emergency Operations Center remains at Level 1, Full Activation.
Residents are reminded to avoid floodwaters and pay attention to their County Emergency Operations Center.
Boaters are encouraged to exercise caution when navigating waterways and avoid creating a wake that could impact homes and businesses. Boaters are also advised not to navigate near the State Road 60 Bridge toward the S-65 structure. In addition, please remain at least 1,500 feet away from the S-69 Weir at all times. Stay in the main Kissimmee River Channel and do not deviate from the existing channel.
SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on its emergency operations. Continue to follow SFWMD on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on our operations.
Media Resources
- Watch the Oct. 14 Update
- Download the Oct. 14 Update
- Interviews with water management officials may be coordinated with Jason Schultz at jschultz@sfwmd.gov.