Lake Thonotosassa: Setting the Record Straight

News Release

Despite reports that the District did not take measures to minimize flood risks for Lake Thonotosassa from Hurricane Milton, District structure operators lowered the lake to the maximum amount possible before the storm.

The District also conducted a federally funded debris removal project earlier this year on Flint Creek, which is natural creek where water is released from the lake north to the Hillsborough River. Trees and limbs from a previous storm were removed to help water flow and reduce flood risks.

It’s important to note, due to historic rainfall from Hurricane Milton, the Flint Creek water conservation structure on Lake Thonotosassa is completely under water and the water is flowing over the land around the structure. 

Under normal circumstances, water naturally flows from the south in Baker Canal and Baker Creek into Lake Thonotosassa. The Flint Creek water conservation structure helps maintain water levels on the 800-acre lake, which is Hillsborough County’s largest lake, and water can be released through the structure north to the Hillsborough River.

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EOC