Lake Apopka North Shore: Continued rainfall and saturated roads slow repair work

Wildlife Drive remains closed

From the St. John's River Water Management District

Repairs are underway at the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside and assessments are completed, the district will provide a weekly update on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

Where water has overtopped Lust Road, an alligator enjoys a sailfin catfish. In many areas, water levels remain above the desired level.

• Initial repairs to stop the flow of lake water through the levee breach continue to hold. To date, 920 tons of material has been placed on the breach.
• Due to continued rainfall and saturated roads, additional repair material could not be hauled to the site and the work necessary to complete the temporary repair was postponed. The work is required to help stabilize the roads/levees so that they can support the necessary heavy equipment.
• Levels on lakes Apopka and Dora remain above the regulation schedule, therefore, no pumping has been initiated. Once lakes return to normal levels, the district will begin slowly pumping water from priority areas on the Lake Apopka North Shore.
• Understanding that the North Shore is a popular outdoor recreation destination, the Red Trail, off County Road 448A, and the McDonald Canal Boat Ramp are open.
• To ensure public safety, and minimize potential damage to saturated roads, no other openings are planned at this point due to flooding and the continued presence of heavy equipment. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and nonmotorized Lake Apopka Loop Trail remain closed. As soon as the district determines that the public can safely access an area, it will open.

For continuing updates on district operations and recreational announcements, visit the district’s website, www.sjrwmd.com. More information about lake levels is available at www.sjrwmd.com/data/hydrologic/#controlled.

About the St. Johns River Water Management District

St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the district and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The district encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Maitland, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay.