NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is warning the public about new boating restrictions due to serious flooding from Hurricane Milton. Many rivers in the state, including the Suwannee/Santa Fe, St. Johns, and Withlacoochee rivers, are seeing higher water levels, leading to the need for safety measures.
As floodwaters increase, some parts of these rivers have gone beyond normal flood levels. This has led to the creation of Idle Speed/No Wake zones. Boaters must slow down to idle speed to prevent their wake from causing more dangers in these areas. These rules are based on flood measurements tracked by NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey
Portions of Withlacoochee River Closed to Vessel Traffic
Due to severe flooding, sections of the Withlacoochee River are now off-limits to boats. This choice was made to keep people safe, as the rising water creates risks like strong currents, hidden dangers, and debris, making navigation unsafe. Boaters should stay away from these areas until they receive more information.
Stay Safe and Informed
The FWC advises all boaters to keep informed about current river conditions and adhere to safety rules. You can find details on Idle Speed/No Wake zones, closures, and other alerts at MyFWC.com/Boating by clicking on the “Waterway Management” tab and following the “Alert!” banner at the top of the page.
“Safety is our top priority,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “We are closely monitoring water levels and working with local officials to adjust restrictions as conditions change. We urge boaters to respect these temporary rules and stay alert for updates.”
The FWC reminds boaters to be careful because high river levels can cover dangers like hidden debris and strong currents. It is highly advised to avoid traveling on affected waterways until conditions improve.