South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Executive Director Drew Bartlett provided an update this evening from the SFWMD’s Emergency Operations Center on the District’s ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Ian.
The District continues to assist local governments and drainage operators to reduce flooding within impacted areas. Today, Director Bartlett assessed the high water levels in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and deployed pumps to move water south through the interconnected lake system to reduce flooding.
Additional District Actions:
- Continuing to move water quickly and efficiently away from communities impacted by the storm. Assessments and installations will continue through the weekend.
- Deploying resources to Lee County to remove debris out of the drainage system.
- Re-opened the S-310 Boat Lock in Clewiston.
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Five navigational boat locks will re-open tomorrow, Saturday, October 1, in Glades, Martin and Okeechobee counties. All other navigational locks will remain closed until further notice due to high water conditions in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and the Kissimmee River.
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All SFWMD managed lands remain closed and will re-open as soon as possible.
- The SFWMD's Emergency Operations Center remains at Level 1, Full Activation.
Residents in Southwest and Central Florida are urged to stay out of floodwaters and follow guidance from their County's Emergency Operations Center.
SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on its emergency operations. Continue to follow SFWMD on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on our operations.
Media Resources
- Watch the Sept. 30 Update
- Download the Sept. 30 Update
- Interviews with water management officials may be coordinated with Jason Schultz at jschultz@sfwmd.gov.