The St. Johns River is one of several rivers across Florida that is still experiencing significant flooding because of Hurricane Milton.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission warned boaters that because of the flooding conditions on the Suwannee/Santa Fe, St. Johns and Withlacoochee rivers, safety measures have been put in place to protect the public.
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Those include Idle Speed/No Wake zones that are enforced when NOAA and U.S. Geological Survey flood gauges indicate that water levels have reached critical points.
Those points have been reached in specific areas of the three rivers.
Boaters navigating through these zones must reduce their speed to idle and ensure their wake does not create a hazard, the FWC said.
Portions of the Withlacoochee River closed
Due to extreme flooding, some sections of the Withlacoochee River are currently closed to all vessel traffic. This decision has been made for public safety as rising water levels can create dangerous conditions, such as submerged hazards, fast currents and debris, making navigation treacherous. Boaters are urged to avoid these areas entirely until water levels recede and normal conditions are restored.
Stay informed and follow safety guidelines
To ensure safety and compliance with these restrictions, the FWC strongly encourages all boaters to stay informed about current river conditions.
For the most up-to-date information on Idle Speed/No Wake zones, river closures and other important alerts, visit MyFWC.com/Boating, click on “Waterway Management” and then on the “Alert!” banner at the top of the page.
“Safety is our top priority,” said FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader Maj. Bill Holcomb. “We are working closely with local officials and monitoring water levels to make adjustments as conditions change. We ask all boaters to respect these temporary restrictions and stay alert to any updates as the situation evolves.”
Please remember that high river levels can present hidden dangers such as strong currents, submerged debris and altered landscapes. Boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution during this time and avoid unnecessary travel on affected waterways.