Boaters navigating to and from Lake Okeechobee should be advised that the South Florida Water Management District (District) will close certain boat locks at the end of their normal operating hours tonight, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Water levels in Lake Okeechobee are expected to fall below 12 feet NGVD or 10.70 feet NAVD. The following boat locks will temporarily cease operations and they will be closed to navigation until specific water levels are met.
Boaters navigating to and from Lake Okeechobee should be advised that if current weather conditions persist and the levels of Lake Okeechobee continue to recede, the South Florida Water Management District (District) will close four navigation locks on the north shore for safety reasons.
If the water level in Lake Okeechobee drops below 12 feet NGVD or 10.70 feet NAVD, the following locks will be completely closed to navigation 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
The S-65A Boat Lock on the Kissimmee River in Polk County will temporarily close next week for a routine inspection.
The boat lock will close at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, and will remain closed until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Boaters will not be able to lock through the structure and should make alternate plans.
The S-65 Boat Lock on Lake Kissimmee in Osceola County near the Polk County line will temporarily close next week for a routine inspection.
The boat lock will close at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, and will remain closed until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Boaters will not be able to lock through the structure and should make alternate plans.
