St. Johns River Expected to Rise Near Lake Harney as Flood Risk Grows

GENEVA, Fla. – The St. Johns River is rising as runoff from heavy rain farther south flows into Seminole County, including the area around Jolly Gator Fish Camp near Lake Harney.

“It is pretty high right now, but we do have high hopes it’ll go down,” said Chelsea Davis, a waitress at the fish camp. “I don’t know if it’s gonna rain any more, but if it does, we just pray we keep it at the concrete.”

The river is expected to continue rising through Friday, when the flood risk is forecast to increase from minor to moderate.

Davis said the water in front of the camp is normally much lower. The area is typically dry land where people launch airboats, but that has not been possible for weeks. The dock is now partially submerged, she said.

With few options to stop the rising water, the camp is relying on sandbags to help hold it back. “They really do help,” Davis said.

The county has set up two locations for people who need sandbags.

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One site is located at the Boombah Sports Complex overflow lot.

The address is 3325 Cameron Avenue in Sanford.

The second sandbag collection site is at the Old Geneva Volunteer Fire Station.

That location is at 217 2nd Street in Geneva.

Both sandbag collection sites are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.