TowBoatUS Lake Okeechobee/ Port Labelle

10/09/2026

🚨 THE OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY IS TOO IMPORTANT TO SHUT DOWN DURING PEAK BOATING SEASON! 🚨

At TowBoatUS Lake Okeechobee, we understand firsthand how important the Okeechobee Waterway is to boaters, local businesses, marinas, and the communities that depend on recreational and cruising boat traffic.

The planned closures of the W.P. Franklin and Ortona locks for major maintenance will create significant challenges for boaters traveling between Southwest Florida, Lake Okeechobee, and Florida’s east coast. With these closures scheduled during the heart of boating season, the impact could extend far beyond the locks themselves.

This isn’t just about boats being delayed. It’s about livelihoods, small businesses, tourism, and the economic health of our waterfront communities.

For businesses like ours, a substantial reduction in vessel traffic can mean fewer calls, fewer opportunities to serve boaters, and a real financial strain during a critical time of year. Marinas, fuel docks, restaurants, repair facilities, and countless other small businesses could feel the effects as well.

We recognize that maintaining this vital infrastructure is necessary. However, we strongly encourage the agencies responsible to explore every possible alternative to minimize the disruption, maintain safe passage wherever feasible, and reduce the economic burden on the communities that depend on this waterway.

The Okeechobee Waterway is more than a route across Florida. It is an essential connection for boaters and a lifeline for many local businesses.

Our communities deserve a seat at the table, and our small businesses deserve to have their voices heard before these decisions move forward.

Please share this post to help spread awareness and encourage a meaningful conversation about protecting the future of the Okeechobee Waterway and the businesses that depend on it.

⚓ Support our waterway. Support our local businesses. Keep Florida’s boating community moving.

— TowBoatUS Lake Okeechobee



River Forest Yachting Centers of Stuart and LaBelleClewiston Chamber of CommerceIndiantown Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce of Okeechobee CountyPort LaBelle MarinaLaBelle ChamberTowBoatUS Stuart, Palm City, Okeechobee WaterwayTowBoatUS of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island, SanibelAmerica's Great Loop Cruisers' AssociationRoland Martin Marina & ResortProfessional Angler Scott Martin / Scott Martin Challenge TVCaptains For Clean WaterLake Okeechobee News - Clewiston
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

Boating season along the Caloosahatchee River is about to get a lot more complicated.

09/18/2026

🚩 Navigation Notice 🚩

🛥️ The S-193 Boat Lock at Taylor Creek in Okeechobee County will re-open this weekend.

🗓️ The boat lock will be open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Moving forward, the boat lock will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends but will remain closed on weekdays (Mondays-Fridays) until further notice.

🔗 SFWMD.gov/Navigation

River Forest Yachting Centers of Stuart and LaBelleClewiston Chamber of CommerceIndiantown Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce of Okeechobee CountyPort LaBelle MarinaLaBelle Chamber

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 Never Forget.

Today we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the brave men and women who answered the call on September 11, 2001.

We honor the courage, sacrifice, and unity that followed—and we remember that every call for help matters.

From all of us at TowBoatUS Lake Okeechobee:
We Remember. We Honor. We Will Never Forget. 🇺🇸

09/10/2026

The St. Lucie Lock is now operational and will open beginning at 0700 on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

To stay informed, concerned, boaters should contact the Lock Master on Main VHF radio channel 13 or (772) 287-2665, (863) 662-9148 for any concern.

09/04/2026

Just a heads up!

River Forest Yachting Centers of Stuart and LaBelleClewiston Chamber of CommerceIndiantown Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce of Okeechobee CountyLaBelle ChamberPort LaBelle Marina@

The St. Lucie Lock will be closed for the next few days while repairs continue due to the lightning strike in mid-August.

Concerned boaters should contact the Lock Master on Marine VHF radio channel 13 or 772-287-2665, 863-662-9148 for any concerns.

08/14/2026

St. Lucie lock & dam closure announcement.

For the current Lake Okeechobee water levels, please see: https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml

of Commerce of OkeechobeeClewiston Chamber of CommerceIndiantown Chamber of CommerceRiver Forest Yachting Centers of Stuart and LaBelle

07/22/2026

⚠️ Lake Okeechobee Boating Advisory ⚠️

With current water levels at 10.93 ft, it is critical that all boaters stay inside the marked channels.

Even running just outside or alongside channel markers can put you in water that may drop to 2 feet or less, increasing your risk of grounding.

🔹 Stay between channel markers at all times
🔹 Navigate carefully and use visual markers whenever possible
🔹 Remember: GPS and navigation apps are aids only — they do not provide real-time depth changes or hazards

Conditions on the lake can change quickly, and what was safe yesterday may not be safe today.

📞 If you need the most accurate, up-to-date information or assistance planning your route, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help you navigate safely in and around Lake Okeechobee. 863-447-4470

Stay safe and boat smart! 🚤

LaBelle MarinaChamber of Commerce of Okeechobee CountyIndiantown Chamber of CommerceVisit Okeechobee CountyClewiston Chamber of CommerceRiver Forest Yachting Centers of Stuart and LaBelle

07/06/2026

Heads up for our north end boaters!

The water level in Lake Okeechobee dropped below 11 feet NGVD or 10.70 feet NAVD, which...

06/24/2026

Here are some additional photos and videos from the recent airboat recovery operation.

We remain thankful for the opportunity to assist state and local law enforcement during this difficult time. Our team worked alongside multiple agencies to help recover the vessel and support the ongoing investigation.

Please continue to keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

06/24/2026

Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by the recent airboat accident. This tragic loss of life weighs heavily on our entire community.

We are grateful that we were able to assist state and local law enforcement agencies during this difficult time with the recovery efforts. It is an honor to support those who serve and protect our waterways.

Please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.