District closes all its public lands in preparation for Hurricane Irma

District staff have begun posting notices to announce the closure of public lands ahead of Hurricane Irma.

PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 6, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is closing all its public lands districtwide at 5 p.m. Thursday in advance of Hurricane Irma. The closure includes the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

“The district is preparing now for the effects of Hurricane Irma, a powerful storm that has the potential to impact our 18-county region,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “District properties play an important role in water management and water storage. Securing and closing of our properties in advance of the storm protects this role along with public safety. We are committed to ensuring that our staff have ample time to secure district facilities and lands, protect their families and homes, and gear up to assist our local governments in their recovery after the storm passes.”

Properties will remain closed for the public’s safety until further notice to allow district staff the opportunity to assess and clean up damage on properties. Groups with camping reservations will be notified by email.

For updates on district operations, visit the www.sjrwmd.com website.