District to close some facilities, lands Wednesday in preparation for Tropical Storm Elsa

Navigation through Burrell, Moss Bluff and Apopka locks is temporarily suspended

The District is closing District lands north of I-4 on Wednesday in anticipation of effects from Tropical Storm Elsa.

PALATKA, Fla., July 6, 2021 — The St. Johns River Water Management District will close its public lands and all offices north of I-4 on Wednesday in anticipation of effects from Tropical Storm Elsa. Closures are effective at 5 p.m. today.

“As you prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa, our website is an excellent resource for information and links to flood statements and warnings, river stages and local government emergency contacts,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We stand ready to assist our local government partners and other regional and state agencies if needed.”

To ensure public safety, District properties in its north, north central and west regions are closed until staff can assess damage on properties, clean up and make any repairs before reopening to public use.

Additionally, District headquarters in Palatka and its service centers in Maitland and Jacksonville, as well as its field offices north of I-4, will be closed to ensure employee safety. The Palm Bay Service Center will remain open.

Also, navigation through the Burrell, Moss Bluff and the Apopka locks will be temporarily suspended on Wednesday.

The District’s emergency operations team is closely monitoring the storm’s path and water levels to provide information to the public and be prepared to assist local government partners and other regional and state agencies as needed.

As Tropical Storm Elsa approaches Florida, the District reminds property owners to be prepared for heavy rains by cleaning debris from storm drains and reporting clogged ditches to local governments in advance of the storm. Bookmark flooding information, water levels and other resources found on the District’s website at www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/flooding.

For updates on District lands, visit www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements. Call the Palatka headquarters switchboard at 800-451-7106 for a recorded message about District operations.