Boaters are encouraged to exercise caution on Kissimmee Lake/Kissimmee River (C-38 Canal) due to high water levels. Boaters may encounter rapidly flowing water and potential submerged hazards. Boaters are advised not to navigate near the State Road 60 Bridge toward the S-65 structure. There are possible obstructions in the water including debris and floating vegetation. 

Recent rains from Hurricane Ian have increased regional water levels. Existing gates and navigation locks are being used to alleviate high water conditions in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. 

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) opened the following navigational locks today, at the beginning of operating hours. 

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will re-open additional navigational locks tomorrow, Saturday, October 1 at the beginning of operating hours. 

Navigational Locks Re-Opening on Saturday, October 1 

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will re-open one navigational lock today, Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. 

• Hendry County: S-310 Boat Lock, Clewiston

Additional locks are expected to re-open tomorrow, Friday, September 30, 2022 as conditions warrant. 

Due to the updated forecast of Tropical Storm Ian, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will close all navigational locks starting on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 6:00pm, instead of Monday, September 26 at the end of operating hours.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will close all navigational locks starting Tuesday, September 27 in preparation of Tropical Storm Ian.

The following locks will close at the end of operating hours on Monday, September 26, 2022.

GLADES COUNTY, Fla. - The Buckhead Ridge S-127 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore will temporarily close to navigation starting Tuesday, August 9, 2022 for maintenance. The boat lock is expected to reopen by Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Other boat locks maintained by the South Florida Water Management District will remain open during this time period.

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore is now open to navigation. The routine maintenance work is complete.

Anglers and boaters may access local waterways from several access points through public boat ramps. Visit FWC’s Boat Ramp Finder to find one near you.

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore will temporarily close to navigation starting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 for maintenance. The boat lock is expected to reopen by Thursday, August 4, 2022.

Anglers and boaters may access local waterways from several access points through public boat ramps. Visit FWC’s Boat Ramp Finder to find one near you.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) reminds boaters to exercise caution and practice safe boating during the holiday weekend.

Navigation Lock Operations
SFWMD maintains 11 navigation locks along the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee. It takes approximately 15 minutes to lock through most structures and the service is free to boaters. Locking is only permitted during normal operating hours.