The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is releasing as much water out of Lake Tarpon as possible, however anticipated storm surge from Hurricane Milton is expected to overtop the structure. Hurricane Milton is also forecasted to bring heavy rainfall to the region, which Hurricane Helene did not. The storm surge combined with the excessive rain could cause catastrophic flooding all around the lake and the outfall canal. Residents who live in and around Lake Tarpon and the outfall canal should follow local government guidance closely and evacuate if ordered to do so.
District structure operations staff cannot prevent saltwater from the storm surge from entering the freshwater lake and cannot release water from the lake until the storm surge recedes. Once the water levels from the storm surge fall below the lake level, water discharge from the lake will be maximized to return Lake Tarpon to its normal level as soon as possible.
The Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal is one of 84 water-control structures throughout the District’s 16-county area. The three-mile canal extends from the south end of Lake Tarpon and empties into Old Tampa Bay. The structure is designed to prevent salt water from entering Lake Tarpon during under normal conditions and protects the lake’s freshwater ecology.
District structure operations staff will continue to monitor water levels and operate all of the agency’s water-control structures around the clock.