Communications, Author at SJRWMD – Page 83 of 85
February 2, 2026

Temporary, recurring closures scheduled for Headwaters Boat Ramp at Fellsmere Water Management Area

The District is providing advance notice of temporary, recurring closures of the Headwaters Boat Ramp, including the kayak launch, at the Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA) to support scheduled maintenance and restoration activities.
February 2, 2026

Headwaters Boat Ramp temporary recurring closures – In effect

The District has implemented 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, June 1, through Thursday, June 4. This will reoccur during the first full week of each month from now 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 […]
February 4, 2026

Prescribed fire at Pellicer Creek reduces wildfire risk amid dry conditions

Prescribed fire helps reduce the possibility of dangerous wildfire while enhancing land’s environmental quality.
February 11, 2026

District declares Phase I Water Shortage due to dry conditions

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted today to declare a Phase I Moderate Water Shortage for Duval County and portions of Alachua, Baker, Bradford and Marion counties.
February 17, 2026

Seasonal interpretive drive at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area opens Feb. 20

The District will open the seasonal interpretive drive at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, located in Lake County, for vehicular access from Feb. 20 through May 24. During this period, the drive is open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to sunset.
February 18, 2026

Sparse rainfall prolongs dry conditions, prompting localized water shortage

January brought little relief from the dry conditions across the District, with rainfall totals remaining sparse during what is typically one of the region’s drier times of year. Nearly all the area received below-average precipitation, and the entire District is experiencing some level of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. A water shortage has been declared for portions of the District, including Duval County and parts of Alachua, Baker, Bradford and Marion counties.
February 24, 2026

District extends Phase I Moderate Water Shortage to additional North Florida counties

The District has extended its existing Phase I Moderate Water Shortage to include additional areas, including Nassau, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam counties, due to continued limited rainfall and declining water levels.
February 26, 2026

Micco Water Management Area parking lot closure

The Micco Water Management Area parking lot will be closed from March 2 through May 31, 2026, for construction. During this time, the property will remain accessible via the yellow hiking trail from St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park.
February 27, 2026

District seeks public input on draft 2026 Indian River Lagoon, Upper St. Johns River basin plan

The District has opened the public comment period for the draft 2026 Indian River Lagoon and Upper St. Johns River Basin Plan.
March 3, 2026

District declares Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage for portions of northeast and central Florida

The District has issued a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage for portions of northeast and central Florida due to continued limited rainfall and declining water levels.
March 9, 2026

Moses Creek Conservation Area

Heavy equipment will be onsite beginning May 1 for a Florida Power & Light (FPL) project to replace overhead power lines with underground lines within the power line easement. This project will require directional boring to install the lines underground. Parts of the red trail, on the north/central portion of the conservation area, will be closed during the project, which is expected to continue for approximately six months. Please use caution when visiting the property and always maintain a safe distance from heavy equipment; visibility from large equipment is limited and operators may be unable to see people approaching. FPL’s purpose […]
March 20, 2026

Southern Recreation Public Meeting

The District’s Southern Recreational Public Meeting is scheduled for 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The meeting will be held at the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Palm Bay Service Center, Blue Cypress Room, 525 Community College Parkway SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. The purpose of this meeting is to collect input from stakeholders regarding recreational use of District conservation land in the Upper St. Johns River Basin, South Region. District staff will receive comments from the public during the meeting. If you are unable to attend in person and would like to provide a comment or question, […]
March 24, 2026

Burrell Lock is temporarily closed

Burrell Lock is temporarily closed due to issues including a leaking seal identified during ongoing operational testing. District staff are actively working with the contractor to ensure the necessary repairs are completed as quickly as possible to restore safe and reliable operations. At this time, a reopening timeframe has not been established. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this causes and understand the disruption this may have on those who rely on the lock. We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to address these issues and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
April 3, 2026

District recognizes April 2026 as Springs Protection Awareness Month

The Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District has proclaimed April 2026 as Springs Protection Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of protecting Florida’s springs and the groundwater systems that sustain them.
April 3, 2026

District proclaims April as Water Conservation Month

In partnership with the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) and other state and local entities, the St. Johns River Water Management District is recognizing April as Water Conservation Month, highlighting the importance of protecting Florida’s water resources through responsible water use.