State of Emergency continues on western FL lakes

Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike reports that the State of Emergency (SOE) continues in parts of Yates County especially parts Keuka, Seneca and Canandaigua Lakes in Yates County (65 miles of lake shore). All due to heavy rain falls and flooding.Keuka Lake is the highest above norm having peaked at 715.7 on May 16. A “no wake” (5mph) order was put into effect at the time. The normal height for this time of year would be 714.2. The lake today is 715.2, and is gradually rescinding as 5 gates at Penn Yan are wide open discharging into the Keuka Outlet to Seneca Lake.Although boat traffic has been minimal many boaters, especially from out of the region have not heeded the “no wake” rule and two concerns remain, (1) the amount of floating debris in the lakes of dock parts, trees, and other obstructions is dangerous to boaters, (2) the many docks that remain under water being further damaged by boat wakes. Thus a life and property safety issue is concerning. As a part of the declared County State of Emergency the Sheriff is ordering in the interest of public safety no motorized boat traffic on Keuka Lake until the lakes height recedes more. Sheriff’s Marine Patrol will be enforcing the ban and violators may be charged with disorderly conduct. Public boat launching sites at Penn Yan, State Park and Branchport are requested to be closed to motorized vessel launches and marinas are also advised. Should there be an “exigent” circumstance requiring an exception consideration please call the Sheriff’s office at 315-536-4438.State of Emergency:Keuka Lake – Motorized vessels banned.Seneca Lake / Canandaigua Lake – “no wake” 5 mph rule in effect.