Lower lake levels hurting local marina businesses

Marina and restaurant owners along Lake Griffin in Lake County said a move by state water managers could sink them.

In the past, the St. John's River Water Management District has closed dams on the Harris Chain of Lakes, and it has decided to do it again.

WFTV reporter Berndt Petersen found out how a lower lake level is hurting business.       

For more than 60 years, Twin Palms Resort and Marina in Fruitland Park has been a popular place for boaters and fishermen.

"It has shut my business down.  I mean, that's what it has done; mine and a lot of other businesses," said owner Dennis Mulholland.

Mulholland said a St. John's River Water Management decision to close a couple of key dams on the Harris Chain of Lakes has drastically lowered the water level on Lake Griffin and dried out his marina.

"As you get off Lake Griffin, there's a sand bar.  You can walk across it.  I've never seen that in all the years I've gone out on this lake," said local homeowner Mike Mangiere.

Mulholland said he stays afloat by selling marine fuel, renting boats and leasing boat slips.  However, all of that would be impossible if the lake is too low.

"They're empty.  I can't put any boats here.  This time of year, we'd be full," said Mulholland.

State water managers said closing the dams and limiting water flow helps protect water quality in Lake Apopka and the rest of the Harris Chain of Lakes, during the winter dry season. 

But Mulholland said he believes the move does more harm than good, especially along Lake Griffin.

"This lake may not recover.  This is a serious issue right now," said Mulholland.

Managers will hold a public hearing on Thursday to address concerns about the lake levels.

Officials said they plan to present a solution to the current problem.