District reopening public lands Thursday

PALATKA, Fla., July 8, 2021 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is reopening its public lands Thursday at noon, having completed safety assessments following Tropical Storm Elsa’s effects in north and east-central Florida.

All District offices are open for business today, and navigation through the Burrell, Moss Bluff and the Apopka locks also has resumed.

Property owners have a crucial role in preparing for hurricane season, which officially runs through Nov. 30. Protect yourself and your property by:

• Keeping debris out of storm drains and ditches
• Reporting clogged ditches and culverts to local governments
• Retrofitting buildings to make them watertight
• Cleaning out gutters and extending downspouts at least four feet from structures
• Determining who has responsibility for stormwater pond maintenance in your neighborhood — it may be the homeowners’ association
• Obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program

For updates on District lands, visit www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements or follow District news on social media at Twitter at @SJRWMD, Facebook and Instagram.