Estuary Navigation Issues
Okeechobee Waterway Navigation
Notice of Restricled Lockage Times -- April 20, 2009The W.P. Franklin Lock on the Caloosahatchee and the St. Lucie Lock on the St. Lucie River initiated restricted lockage times on April 20, 2009. In contrast to the normal "on demand" operation, locking through at these two locations will only be available on odd hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This schedule will be in effect until further notice. The restricted lockage is due to low water conditions in Lake Okeechobee and could be further restricted until the rainy season begins. All mariners are advised to check current conditions if navigating the Okeechobee Waterway.
Pole & Troll Zones
In December 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection published a "Notice of Proposed Rule" regarding the dredging of public navigation channels and mitigating that dredging with "pole & troll zones."
Letter to FDEP from Florida Senate President Atwater and House Speaker Cretul, dated May 8, 2009Notice of Proposed Rule and Rule Hearing, dated 12/31/08
SCCF Letter to FDEP regarding the dredging, dated 2/10/09
Notice of Availability of SERC (Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost), dated 2/27/09