The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has a plan in place for continuity of operations during a pandemic crisis such as COVID-19, is prepared to respond accordingly and will provide additional information to the public as the situation develops. This communication currently includes information for visitors to Corps Regulatory Offices, as well as campers and recreational users regarding operational adjustments that will take place at navigation locks and recreation facilities.
The Jacksonville District activated its emergency operations center (EOC). This action allows district staff to devote added attention to the response actions that might be necessary as COVID-19 causes impacts to Corps operations in Florida.
All Jacksonville District Regulatory Offices are currently closed to walk-in visitors, for the health and safety of Corps staff and the public, until further notice. Members of the public requiring assistance with Regulatory permitting questions may contact their local Regulatory Office at the following locations: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Office-Locations/ or call the general number for the Regulatory Division at 904-232-1177. If additional assistance is needed, you may contact the Jacksonville District Corporate Communications Office at 904-232-2568 PublicMail.CESAJ-CC@usace.army.mil.
In addition, Jacksonville District is issuing the following guidance on its operations in south Florida:
- For boaters, normal operations continue for the navigation locks on the Okeechobee Waterway. Locks on the Okeechobee Waterway remain open from 7a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Sunday. Last lock-through starts at 4:30 p.m. each day. The Canaveral Lock is closed for ongoing repairs.
- For campers and visitors to recreation sites, the Corps is not currently accepting any new reservations or walk-ins at the campgrounds. Existing reservations may be cancelled upon request for a full refund. All Corps Visitor Centers in south Florida are now closed, including all tours and interpretive programs, until further notice. All Corps day-use recreation areas and Lock amenities in south Florida currently remain open, although campers and visitors are encouraged to closely monitor the situation for changes, as additional changes are under review.
“Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our staff, volunteers, campers and visitors,” said Jeff Fallin, Chief of the South Florida Operations Office in Clewiston. “We ask everyone to monitor our communications closely, as this situation is rapidly evolving, and thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we work to meet our critical missions and while providing for everyone’s safety. Please stay safe and healthy."
More information on Jacksonville District COVID-19 response actions can be found at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/.
Release no. 20-022