Hurricane Idalia
Much of Central and South Florida has an interconnected water management system, and flood control is often a shared responsibility between various agencies and communities including the SFWMD. SFWMD is strongly encouraging all local governments and local drainage operators like homeowner associations (HOAs) to prepare their stormwater systems.
Proactive Actions by SFWMD
- Managing our canals to pre-storm levels to allow the flood control system to operate at full capacity.
- Inspecting canal banks, structures, and other water management infrastructure.
- Actively utilizing flood protection gates and pumps in response to the forecast and rainfall.
- Preparing to deploy staff throughout the region for rapid response.
- Engaging local governments, drainage operators, and communities to prepare their stormwater systems by clearing drains, testing pumps, and ensuring they are ready for increased rainfall.
Safety and Preparation Tips for Residents
- Remove and secure any potential debris around your property. Loose debris can damage structures and clog storm drains.
- Know what to expect in your neighborhood when it rains and who to call if you experience flooding. Type in your address and look up your local drainage operator at SFWMD.gov/FloodControl.
- Closely follow your County's Emergency Operations Center announcements for the latest updates.
Recreation Notices for District Lands
All SFWMD-managed lands in Collier, Lee, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties reopened on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. All other SFWMD-managed lands remain open for public access.
Read Emergency Order 2023-046 - Reopening SFWMD Lands
Navigation Updates
The South Florida Water Management District is making a temporary change in operations for the S-310 Boat Lock in Clewiston beginning, Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Operating Hours
- The boat lock will be open daily from 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. for boaters to lock through the structure.
- The boat lock will close each night from 9:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. and boaters will not be able to lock through the structure.
The South Florida Water Management District reopened all of its navigational locks for public access on Thursday, August 31, 2023 after Hurricane Idalia.
SFWMD-operated locks reopened under their normal operating hours:
- S-65A Boat Lock Opens at 7:00 a.m.
- S-65 Boat Lock (Lake Kissimmee) Opens at 7:00 a.m.
- S-61 Boat Lock (Cypress Lake and Lake Tohopekaliga) Opens at 7:00 a.m.
- S-135 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee at the J&S Fish Camp in Martin County. Opens at 5:30 a.m.
- G-36 Boat Lock, also known as the Henry Creek Boat Lock, on Lake Okeechobee. Opens at 5:30 a.m.
The public can get the latest navigation updates from the SFWMD by signing up for text messages and emails here.
Anglers and boaters may access local waterways from several access points through public boat ramps. Visit FWC’s Boat Ramp Finder to find one near you.
County Emergency Updates
Be sure to follow your County's Emergency Operations Center for the latest local emergency updates. SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on our emergency operations.
SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed of our operations as the storm approaches Florida's Gulf Coast. Get the latest updates from the SFWMD by following us on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.