JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has reopened the swimming beach at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area on the Caloosahatchee River.
The swimming beach on the Caloosahatchee River near Olga was closed temporarily due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Recent test results indicate that the water quality at the swimming beach meets the safety criteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health and the area is safe for waders and swimmers. The public is welcome to enjoy the beach and many other amenities available at the recreation area.
“Public safety is always our top priority,” said Tammy Cleveland, supervisory park ranger in the South Florida Operations Office in Clewiston. “Test results confirm that bacterial levels are no longer elevated and we have been cleared to reopen the swimming beach for the enjoyment of our visitors.”
Day use areas, such as the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area, along Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway provide visitors with the opportunity to fish, picnic, swim, or bike. Facilities such as boat ramps, playgrounds, and picnic shelters provide an excellent setting for a family get together or a day of rest and relaxation. For more information on day use areas on the Okeechobee Waterway, visit: www.saj.usace.army.mil/DayUseAreas/
For information on the W.P. Franklin Lock and Visitor Center, call 239-694-2582.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the leading provider of recreation on federally-managed lands in the United States and a founding member of the National Water Safety Congress, committed to promoting safe water practices.
Release no. 18-029