Volusia County boat ramps close due to rising water and king tide

Several Volusia County-maintained boat ramps along the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway are temporarily closed because of elevated water levels and hazardous conditions.The county said heavy rainfall earlier this week contributed to rising water along the St. Johns River, while the current king tide cycle is affecting ramps along the Intracoastal Waterway.Boat ramps along the St. Johns River are expected to remain closed for an extended period. Submerged parking areas and underwater debris are creating risks for boaters, and the facilities will reopen once water levels recede and county staff determine conditions are safe.Along the Intracoastal Waterway, high tides can submerge ramps, docks and nearby parking areas. The county cautioned that ramps may appear accessible during low tide before becoming submerged again as water levels rise.Those ramps are expected to remain closed through late next week, although reopening will depend on water levels and safety assessments.Boater