Heavy Rains Put Damper On County Park Visits

Several Hillsborough County preserves, the Lithia Springs swimming area and two canoe launches remain temporarily closed to the public due to high water.

 Nine county preserves entrances will remain closed until the first week of October.

• Pam Callahan Preserve, 5750 Memorial Highway in Tampa

• Cypress Creek Preserve, 3298 Robertson Trail in Lutz and all areas north of Freedom High School

• Lake Frances Preserve, 11009 Tarpon Springs Rd. in Odessa and 10339 Woodstock R. in Odessa

• Lake Dan Preserve, 19136-B Tyler Rd. in Odessa

• Double Branch Bay Preserve, 11382 W Hillsborough Ave. (eastern gate) in Tampa; 11912 W. Hillsborough Ave. (middle gate) in Tampa; and 12460 W. Hillsborough Ave. (western gate) in Tampa

• Florida College Preserve, 9514 Woodland Ridge Dr. in Temple Terrace

• Town and Country Preserve, 8304 Montague St. in Tampa

• Brooker Creek Headwaters Preserve, 6440 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd. in Lutz; 18102 Ramblewood Rd. (public parking area) in Lutz; 17917 Brown Rd. in Odessa; and 18011 Ramblewood Rd. (gate on east side of road) in Lutz

• Rocky Creek Coastal Preserve (except for offshore areas), 8899 S Lagoon St. in Tampa; and 5120 Troydale Rd. in Tampa

Also closed is:

• Lithia Springs Park’s swimming area and canoe launch, 3932 Lithia Springs Rd. in Lithia

Signs have been posted, and staff is on duty to monitor and alert the public of this closure. Patrons can still camp, picnic and use the playground.

• Alderman's Ford Park’s canoe launch area, 9625 Canoe Launch Loop in Lithia

For additional information, call 813-264-8513 or 813-744-5572.