Santa Fe River, Still Rising: One foot to go
Posted July 1, 2012 08:10 am
Late yesterday afternoon, the Santa Fe River in south Columbia County was lapping at the steel girders of the bridge on Highway 27 separating Columbia and Alachua Counties. According to the High Springs police, once the water touches the steel, the bridge is closed.
On Highway 441, there is no danger of the high water closing that bridge, but the rising water continues as the river rises further and further away from its banks.
The Santa Fe is expected to crest today, Sunday.
River Rise Resort is at the border of South Columbia County and Alachua County on US 441
The sign welcoming visitors to River Rise Resort tells
the story of the rising waters. Before the rains, it was
on high ground.
Late Thursday afternoon the bottom of the sign was
visible. By late yesterday, Saturday afternoon, it was
difficult to tell where the water ended and the woods
began.
The gate into the resort.
Late on Thursday afternoon the water had just risen
above the bottom of the gate. By Saturday afternoon the
water was at the horses feet.
The Santa Fe at the boat ramp on US27 at the border of Columbia and Alachua counties.
On late Saturday afternoon the river was still rising.
On Thursday afternoon, the boat ramp was still
visible
By Saturday afternoon one could have gone boating in the
parking lot.
The bridge between Columbia and Alachua Counties
When the water touches the steel, the bridge is closed.
This is the bridge that separates Columbia and Alachua
counties on Highway 27. When the river is not swollen,
boaters pass under the bridge with ease.