As rain chances go down across Central Florida, flooding concerns have begun shifting to areas where all that rainwater ends up — in rivers and lakes.

Floodwaters have overtaken some boat ramps in Seminole County, closing the following ramps to close until further notice:

  • Wayside Park/Boat Ramp at Lake Monroe has barricades at the entrance to stop visitors.
  • Mullet Lake Park Boat Ramp and dock are under water and not visible.
  • C.S. Lee Boat Ramp is submerged.
  • Lake Jesup: "The Point" Area is damaged due to high water and damage, and railings at the boat launch are nearly submerged.
  • Lake Jesup at Overlook is currently 3 feet below the boardwalk.
  • Cameron Wight has high water levels at the boat ramp. This park is being monitored by Leisure Services.

As the rainwater flows into the St. Johns River and nearby lakes, it's not only impacting boaters, but many homeowners in Seminole County as well.

Gerhard Muster, who lives near Wayside Park, said the water has gone up about 6 feet in just a few days. The rapid rise in water reminded him of flooding from Tropical Storm Fay in 2008.

Muster also noted another big concern as the water rises: Alligators. He said one gator attacked and killed his neighbor's dog a few days earlier.

"The water was probably 6 inches below the deck, and so the dog was just snatched up, unfortunately," said Muster. "It was a real sweet dog. That's a shame."

Muster said his house has, fortunately, been OK, because it's high enough up from the lake — but he may have to move his boats if the water gets much higher.

Floodwaters have also started creeping up over some nearby roads and getting closer to homes.


Sandbags available in Seminole County

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 2, Seminole County Emergency Management officials are offering several sandbag locations across the county:

  • Geneva Wilderness Area: 3501 N. County Road 426
    • Open Thursday & Friday 3–7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. –7 p.m.
    • Limit 30 bags per household
    • Bring your own shovel
  • Altamonte Springs: 2 Locations open all day, not staffed
    • Eastmonte Park (overflow parking area)
    • Westmonte Park (near recycle stations)
    • Sand and sandbags provided, bring your own shovel
    • Contact: (407) 571-8607 during business hours, after hours call (407) 571-8686
  • Oviedo: 1630 N. County Road 426, at Lockwood Blvd.
    • Open Thursday & Friday 3–7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. –7 p.m.
    • Limit 30 bags per household
    • Bring your own shovel
  • Sanford Public Works Complex: 800 W. Fulton St.
    • Open all day
    • Self-serve, bring your own shovel