As Hurricane Ian makes its way up the east coast, District staff are beginning to assess properties across the 18-county region.

After several days of rain, Floridians are now able to get out and enjoy the sunny, cooler weather left behind by Hurricane Ian. As of today, the District has re-opened several of their lands and all the navigational locks.

A decorative wall was all that was standing between flood water and a small community in Longwood until two crews from the District deployed to assist Seminole County in diverting water away from the homes.

Staff at the District continue to perform land and safety assessments of all properties and recreational access points, including boat ramps and trails.

The District has reopened all its conservation lands to public recreation following Hurricane Ian, except for seven properties that are still experiencing some flooding.

The District will open the Lake Apopka North Shore Loop Trail for pedestrian traffic beginning Oct. 7. The Red Trail will remain closed due to flooding.

Today, for the eighth consecutive year, the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board voted to approve $500,000 in funding for the Indian River Lagoon Council (IRL Council).

Today, the District Governing Board approved a joint real estate transaction with Volusia County and the city of Ormond Beach that will add 18.5 acres of conservation lands.

A majority of the District received well above average rainfall in September thanks to Hurricane Ian.

Today, the District gathered with local and regional partners, residents, and other interested stakeholders to celebrate the launching of the Black Creek Water Resource Development project.

The District will reopen the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for public use beginning Oct. 28.

The Burrell Lock in Lake County is scheduled to be temporarily closed Nov. 1 and 2 as part of the District’s ongoing maintenance of the structure.

Starting Sunday, Nov. 6, residents across the 18 counties of the District should reset their automatic sprinkler systems to water no more than once a week.

The District is closely monitoring Subtropical Storm Nicole and is taking proactive measures to help manage the anticipated rainfall in the coming days. 

After Hurricane Ian drenched the central Florida region, below-average rainfall across the District was a welcome relief to those still experiencing flooding.