Many Navigational Locks Re-Open Today
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) opened the following navigational locks today, at the beginning of operating hours.
Additional Navigational Locks to Re-Open Tomorrow, October 1
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will re-open additional navigational locks tomorrow, Saturday, October 1 at the beginning of operating hours.
Navigational Locks Re-Opening on Saturday, October 1
S-310 Boat Lock in Clewiston to Re-open at 2 p.m.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will re-open one navigational lock today, Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
- Hendry County: S-310 Boat Lock, Clewiston
Additional locks are expected to re-open tomorrow, Friday, September 30, 2022 as conditions warrant.
Update: SFWMD Closing All Navigational Locks in Preparation of Tropical Storm Ian
Due to the updated forecast of Tropical Storm Ian, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will close all navigational locks starting on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 6:00pm, instead of Monday, September 26 at the end of operating hours.
SFWMD Closing All Navigational Locks in Preparation of Tropical Storm Ian
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will close all navigational locks starting Tuesday, September 27 in preparation of Tropical Storm Ian.
The following locks will close at the end of operating hours on Monday, September 26, 2022.
Buckhead Ridge S-127 Boat Lock Temporarily Closing for Maintenance Work
GLADES COUNTY, Fla. - The Buckhead Ridge S-127 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore will temporarily close to navigation starting Tuesday, August 9, 2022 for maintenance. The boat lock is expected to reopen by Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Other boat locks maintained by the South Florida Water Management District will remain open during this time period.
Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock is Now Open
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore is now open to navigation. The routine maintenance work is complete.
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.
Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock Temporarily Closing for Maintenance Work
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore will temporarily close to navigation starting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 for maintenance. The boat lock is expected to reopen by Thursday, August 4, 2022.
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.
Boating Safety Reminders
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) reminds boaters to exercise caution and practice safe boating during the holiday weekend.
Navigation Lock Operations
SFWMD maintains 11 navigation locks along the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee. It takes approximately 15 minutes to lock through most structures and the service is free to boaters. Locking is only permitted during normal operating hours.
Low Water Conditions Kissimmee River and Nearby Waterbodies
Boaters and residents should exercise caution throughout the Kissimmee River (C-38 Canal), Istokpoga Canal, and nearby waterbodies due to low water level conditions. Portions of these waterways may be unpassable due to shoaling and other obstructions exposed by low water levels. Boaters are advised to travel at reduced speeds in these areas.
The Istokpoga Canal Power Boat Ramp is not usable for the launching of boats. The Istokpoga Canal Airboat Ramp remains operational and is available for use.