District Schedules Restoration Work on a Portion of the Orange State Canal in Citrus County

News Release

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has scheduled restoration work on the Orange State Canal located in Citrus County. The work is scheduled to take place from May 16 to June 15.

Boat access from the Withlacoochee River through the canal will not be available during the scheduled restoration work. Activity is scheduled to occur during daylight hours between Monday and Friday each week.

Restoration work on the Orange State Canal will focus on removing a sand bar in the canal, approximately one-half mile west of the Withlacoochee River. This sand bar, which has formed over the past several decades, currently limits the District’s ability to move water through the Floral City Structure, which is located on the canal near the Trails End road crossing.

The Orange State Canal was originally constructed in the late 1880s to transport citrus from Floral City to Lake Panasoffkee, where it was sent north by railroad. Today, the District uses the canal to convey water between the Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka Chain-of-Lakes to enhance recreation and assist with flood protection.

For additional questions, please call the District at (352) 796-7211.

Subject
Water Management