Volusia County closes several boat ramps as rising water levels create hazardous conditions

Boaters in Volusia County are running into closed gates and warning signs at several popular launch sites as rising water levels and hazardous conditions force temporary boat ramp closures along the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway.Volusia County officials say the closures are necessary to protect boaters from dangerous conditions, including submerged parking areas, underwater debris and fluctuating water levels that can make launching and retrieving boats difficult.The closures are happening for two different reasons, depending on where boaters are trying to get on the water.St. Johns River: Heavy rainfall pushing water levels higherAlong the St. Johns River, recent heavy rainfall across Central Florida and neighboring counties is contributing to rising water levels.Much of that rain fell farther south, including in Brevard County. Because the St. Johns River flows north, runoff from those areas eventually makes its way into Volusia County.County officials say the rising wate