The District will implement temporary, recurring closures of the Headwaters Boat Ramp, including the kayak launch, at the Fellsmere Water Management Area to support scheduled maintenance and restoration activities. The ramp will be closed Monday through Thursday during the first full week of each month from May through September 2026, excluding federal holidays. During these closures, western levee trails will remain open for hiking and bank fishing. Alternative boat access will continue to be available at nearby District-managed properties, including the Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Stick Marsh) and the C-54 Boat Ramp. For closure dates, frequently asked questions, and additional details, please view the full press release here.

Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Flagler, Indian River, Okeechobee, Osceola, Marion, Putnam, and Volusia counties have enacted a countywide outdoor burn ban due to dry conditions and increased wildfire risk. Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning, unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service, is prohibited, including on District lands. This includes bonfires, campfires, and cooking fires. Outdoor cooking done with a contained gas or charcoal grill (excluding a fire pit) is allowed under the ban. Local burn bans are enacted by county governments. To see current county-enacted burn bans, please visit: Burn Ban Public Dashboard

Burrell Lock will not reopen on Feb. 16, as previously announced, and will remain closed until further notice. We appreciate your patience and will share updates when they become available.

The Micco Water Management Area parking lot will be closed from March 2 through April 30, 2026, for construction. During this time, the property will remain accessible via the yellow hiking trail from St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park.

Operational testing at Burrell Lock is now underway. District staff have begun locking vessels through the structure as part of the testing process. We appreciate the public’s patience as we work through initial operations. While boats are being accommodated, additional adjustments and fine-tuning are still underway to ensure the lock functions safely and efficiently. Boaters are encouraged to follow on-site instructions and allow extra time during this testing phase.