The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced that several rivers in the state are experiencing significant flooding due to Hurricane Milton. The affected rivers include the Suwannee/Santa Fe, St. Johns, and Withlacoochee rivers. As a result of rising floodwaters, safety measures have been implemented to protect the public.
Specific areas along these rivers have reached established flood levels, prompting the enforcement of Idle Speed/No Wake zones. These restrictions come into effect when NOAA and U.S. Geological Survey flood gauges show water levels at critical points. Boaters navigating through these zones must reduce their speed to idle and ensure their wake does not pose a hazard.
Certain sections of the Withlacoochee River are closed to all vessel traffic because of extreme flooding. This decision aims to ensure public safety as rising water levels can lead to dangerous conditions like submerged hazards, fast currents, and debris, making navigation risky. Boaters are advised to avoid these areas until conditions return to normal.
The FWC encourages boaters to stay informed about current river conditions for safety and compliance with restrictions. For updated information on Idle Speed/No Wake zones, river closures, and other alerts, visit MyFWC.com/Boating, click on “Waterway Management,” and then on the “Alert!” banner at the top of the page.
"Safety is our top priority," said FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader Maj. Bill Holcomb. "We are working closely with local officials and monitoring water levels to make adjustments as conditions change. We ask all boaters to respect these temporary restrictions and stay alert to any updates as the situation evolves."
High river levels can present hidden dangers such as strong currents, submerged debris, and altered landscapes. Boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution during this time and avoid unnecessary travel on affected waterways.