Flooding, strong currents hamper recreation in lower Kissimmee Basin
News Release
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Media contact: Gary Morse, 863-648-3200
Those looking for recreational relief on the Kissimmee River may
have to use a little patience during the next few weeks. As far as
rain events go, this was a doozy.
Five days after torrential storms dropped more than 14 inches of
rain on portions of Central Florida, locks south of State Road 60
to Lake Okeechobee remain closed to navigation by emergency order,
issued by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) on
Oct. 11.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
reminds boaters, which includes alligator hunters, anglers,
canoeists and campers, that the SFWMD has issued a public safety
warning urging boaters not to use the river after the
record-breaking rainfall event. Semi-submerged objects, propelled
by fast-moving currents, can have a missile-like effect on a boat's
hull or the lower unit of its motor. Everyone boating in any
portion of the Kissimmee Basin is reminded that wearing a life
jacket is the best insurance policy a boater has in helping avoid
the dire consequences of an accident.
Although KICCO Wildlife Management Area and the Kissimmee Public
Use Area remain open, some roads within those areas that lead to
backcountry adventure may temporarily be closed due to flooding.
Other popular access points on the river and some public boat ramps
may be closed until floodwaters recede to safe levels.
Check MyFWC.com/News or
www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/sfwmdmain/news
for information and updates.
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