District reopens lands, staff ready to support statewide recovery

District pump strike teams are on standby to assist statewide flood relief efforts. In this photo, Shawn Brock and Mark Bryant, senior trades workers with the District, help remove floodwaters from a hospital parking lot following Hurricane Ian.

The St. Johns River Water Management District has reopened the majority of its public lands and all navigational locks after Hurricane Helene, providing access for outdoor recreation. While most areas are safe for public use, a few District lands remain closed as crews work to clear debris and ensure full access.

“Our teams are working diligently to restore all areas affected by the storm,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “Safety is our top priority, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we continue to assess conditions and clear any remaining hazards.”

In addition to the reopening efforts, District pump strike teams and staff are ready to actively support recovery operations across the state, by offering assistance to partner agencies and communities affected by the hurricane.

For a complete and up-to-date list of reopened District properties, including recreational lands and facilities, please visit www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation. The webpage will be updated regularly as assessments progress and additional properties become available.

The District encourages visitors to check individual property statuses before heading out, as conditions may vary. Public safety remains the District’s highest priority as crews continue their efforts to make all lands accessible.