Roger Griffiths, Executive Director of the Lake Region Lakes Management District (often referred to as the Canal Commission) reported at their October Board Meeting that lake levels in the southern Chain of Lakes were 1 foot 4 inches below 2008 levels (and last year’s parade barely made an abbreviated route). With disappointing rainfall levels from this month’s late season tropical storm, it appears certain that the canals will not be deep enough to allow the parade to go on.
Over the years the Chamber has learned that the success of the Boat Parade lies in people being able to navigate their boats through the Chain to form the parade in Lake May. Current levels severely limit boats with only a driver — not to mention fully loaded craft.
The Chamber does not like to disappoint boaters or the thousands of people who watch from shore … but safety is our first priority and shallow canals cause too many problems. The parade will return when lake levels do.
We are making the announcement at this time to allow residents who have “Parade Parties” to plan accordingly.
Photo credit: Lake Cannon by Sean O’Shaughnessy
