Comments on: Chain of Lakes Canal-deepening is Priority

By: Bob Gernert

Bob Gernert — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:24:42 +0000

While that canal is the first to become impassable in times of drought, the problem is not a lack of canal maintenance but a lack of rainfall. In many cases the lakes themselves are quite shallow for a distance from the shore and in times of low water, we can actually have canals that your boat can pass but the motor will hit bottom as you exit the canal.

The Mirror/Cannon canal and bridge are scheduled for replacement soon and that will help.

But the bottom line (no pun intended) is we need rain … at least a foot or more.

By: James f Abram

James f Abram — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:54:32 +0000

I recently bought a vacation condo. in Winter Haven. The reason we purchased the place was the chain of lakes. We have bought a new pontoon boat from a local dealer. We are now locked from the chain because of the canal on Mirror to cannon. If you are going to promote the chain of lakes you must maintain the canals. my hope is the powers that be will fix this problem SOON!!!!

By: Reese

Reese — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:22:39 +0000

I have lived on the north chain for 4 years. Each year we have been promised the work on the lock system would be completed and we would become a full part of the chain. It was understandable that the low water levels made it a less of a priority but now that the levels have risen the lock still is not available.

Today I launched my boat for the first time in a year only to find the canal from Lake Haines has been blocked off as well. Is the northern chain no longer to be considered a part of the chain at all? Now that the water levels are up to a navigable level we need to get all of these canals open.

The chain of lakes is a primary attraction for the area and any thing that can be done to keep the entire system available even in times of drought would be a positive.

Thank you and if anyone can shed some light on the closed canals on the northern chain it would be appreciated.

By: Charlie Lyle

Charlie Lyle — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:55:09 +0000

My family and I got to use the chain today. We have lived in WH for 2 1/2 years and this is the first time we got to go from end to end; we had a great time.

Does anyone have an update on the lock system?

Charlie

By: MW

MW — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:15:49 +0000

I grew up on the chain and had a blast each and every weekend on the water. I moved away for a while and after my return purchsed a boat so my family and I could enjoy the chain like the good ole days. One attempt 2 seasons ago is all it took for me to realize if I was going to take my family out on our boat safely I was going to have to find another place to do my boating. I’ve done that, but what an inconvinence. Please consider whatever it will take to keep the water level at a safe and usable level.

Thanks

By: Wayne Gray

Wayne Gray — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:56:42 +0000

Hi to all.
I have recently brought my family to Winter Haven from England and live on the south shore of Lake Hamilton. Although we are not yet part of the chain, I believe talk has taken place to add this 2200 acre lake to the chain. Can anyone verify this? I have lived here for 4 years and I am looking for closure on this point.
I have traveled the chain and agree that it is a task to navigate the canals in anything other than a jetski these days.
I came to Polk county to find waterfront living alongside countryside values.
If my view is at all valuable, I would like to see the canal deepened as the canal has purpose, I believe this is a part of polk counties appeal to all others.
If a solution to the restricted access can be brought to the table without destroying the landscaping and natural beauty, then I am all for the work.

Sincerely

Wayne

By: BK

BK — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:09:08 +0000

Should the city approve the dirt-spreader that would stabilize the walls, I’ll happily bring my shovel and help you start digging!

Our canals are vital to our city’s identity–let’s do all we can to save them.

By: David Kaylor

David Kaylor — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:52:15 +0000

I can only wonder how many canals could have been made navigable with the funds that have been wasted on that ridiculous lock system.
Over a million dollars, thousands of hours in labor, several years in the making…zero boat crossings through the locks.
The chain defines our city. Canal Commissioner Matthew Kaylor understands this and tried months ago to draw attention to this issue. With Chamber and City support he should hopefully now have more success.

By: Bob Gernert

Bob Gernert — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:17:27 +0000

Life on the Lake,

There will be no attempt to exclude lakes regardless of size. The decision you describe that moved the boat parade off Lake Mirror was not made due to lake size but due to the difficult Cannon/Mirror Canal. That canal is among the most difficult on the Chain due to it being so narrow and the bridge very low. Of course for the past two years, water levels have made that canal impossible. Hopefully a strategic plan for the entire Chain can be developed and that canal and bridge improved for both boat and auto traffic. Thanks for your input.

By: life on the lake!

life on the lake! — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:02:29 +0000

I would love to see a solution to the un-navigable canals and lakes! I live on Lake Mirror and have been land locked for some time now. I miss being able to jump in the boat and head out for lunch or dinner! My only fear is that they would consider closing up some of the canals that seem to be attached to the smaller lakes like the one I live on. The year we bought the house on the lake , my family enjoyed the Christmas boat parade…the next year someone changed the route away from some of the smaller lakes that don’t seem to count. :( We were very disappointed. So please consider making all the lakes navigable…not closing up any.