NO WAKE ZONES PREDICTED FOR SUWANNEE, SANTA FE RIVERS

March 31, 2005
Contact: Karen Parker (386) 758-0525

Water levels on the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers are predicted to rise to the point where “no-wake zones” automatically go into effect, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

FWC, in conjunction with the Suwannee River Water Management District, have been monitoring the river levels.

According to FWC’s Capt. Roy Brown, area supervisor, “When the water level at Branford reaches 26 feet, a no-wake/idle zone goes into effect on the Suwannee River from the Highway 27 Bridge in Branford south to Fowlers Bluff, and on the Santa Fe River from the mouth north to High Springs. The National Weather Service is predicting 26.2 feet at Branford for April 4.”

The Three River Estates area on the Suwannee is predicted to rise to 22.2 feet by April 3.

“At the present time, we’re asking boaters to stay off the rivers in these affected areas until conditions improve and the water levels decrease. Even though there are no zones in effect today, the wakes caused by the boaters running through the areas can still cause damage to the property along the river front,” Brown explained.

“Boaters need to be made aware that they are still responsible for their boat wake and actions. We’re asking for boaters to be aware of their surroundings and show some courtesy to the property owners,” Brown said.

FWC officers are patrolling the rivers and want boaters to know they can be cited for careless operation.

For more information about the river levels, check out www.srwmd.state.fl.us.
 

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