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Lake Okeechobee Getting Lower For Boat Routes

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Feb 2, 2008 3:32 pm US/Eastern

Lake Okeechobee Getting Lower For Boat Routes

WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) ― Low water levels in Lake Okeechobee have forced  the shutting down of one navigation lock that allows boaters to cross between the lake and the Kissimmee River.

The South Florida Water Management District said the shallow water has made the route unsafe and it plans to close the lock indefinitely on Monday.

One charter boat captain told the Associated Press that about 25 or 30 fishermen pass through the lock every day. The lake still has plenty of fish but low water levels appear to be scaring people away.

Officials say the lake is close to falling below 10 feet. The lake set an all-time record by dropping to 8.82 feet above sea level last July.

Lake Okeechobee is a backup drinking water source for five million people.












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