Lake Okeechobee water being discharged into the St. Lucie River
Martin County (treasurecoast.com)- Fresh water from Lake Okeechobee is now being released into the St. Lucie River at a rate of 1,800 cubic feet per second, according to the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Discharges have not been released to the Treasure Coast since March of 2019.
“We haven’t made large volume releases from Lake Okeechobee since March 2019, but the rapid rise in the lake level combined with an already active hurricane season that lasts until Nov. 30 has left us with no options in ensuring the safety of those living and working around the Herbert Hoover Dike,” said Col. Andrew Kelly, Jacksonville District commander. “We will keep working with our partners at the South Florida Water Management District to make releases south of the lake whenever practical.”