Newsroom

Palatka, Fla. Oct. 2, 2026 — The St. Johns River Water Management District has opened the public comment period for the draft 2026 Lower St. Johns River Basin Plan.

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) will host a public meeting on the draft 2026 Lower St. Johns River Basin Plan. District staff will present updated regional priorities and objectives and provide an opportunity for questions and public comments. 

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) will host a public meeting on the draft 2026 Lower St. Johns River Basin Plan. District staff will present updated regional priorities and objectives and provide an opportunity for questions and public comments. 

August brought a return to more typical summer rainfall patterns across the St. Johns River Water Management District. While rainfall totals varied considerably across the region, several inland counties received above-average rainfall, helping improve conditions in some previously dry areas.

The Headwaters Boat Ramp, including the kayak launch, at the Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA) will be temporarily closed September 8 –10 as the District continues the series of scheduled monthly closures to support maintenance and habitat restoration activities.

As September begins, much of the St. Johns River Water Management District has now experienced approximately one year of below-average rainfall, highlighting how drought conditions develop gradually and why water resource recovery can take much longer than several rainfall events