Lake Seminole Park, located in Seminole, Florida, is a 258-acre wildlife habitat and sanctuary. Originally a tidal estuary, the lake was created in the 1940s by closing the upper portion of Long Bayou. This transformation turned it into a freshwater lake, making it the second-largest lake in Pinellas County.

Over the years, Lake Seminole Park has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking along its 2-mile multi-use trail. It is also home to diverse wildlife, such as alligators, eagles, and turtles.

The park is a local favorite and a cherished spot for families and nature lovers, providing a serene escape within the urban environment of Pinellas County. However, it closed ahead of Hurricane Helene and did not reopen before Hurricane Milton.

During that time, the weir, a water control device located on the south end of the lake and damaged by Helene, began releasing water into Long Bayou at an accelerated rate. 

But, this isn’t why the park remains closed. Speaking with a Pinellas County Park Ranger, it’s been learned why Lake Seminole Park hasn’t reopened. Much like Fort DeSoto Park, the hurricanes took an enormous toll. So, we’ll probably be asking, “Is Lake Seminole Park open?” for some time to come.

How Long Will Lake Seminole Park be Closed?

The answer isn’t straightforward. This is partly because the weir replacement at Lake Seminole Park is currently underway as an emergency repair due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Pinellas County crews are working on the repairs, but a specific timeline for completion has not been provided yet. The county plans to initiate a permanent repair as soon as possible.

Although this remains a top priority, it’s not the only problem the County is dealing with. Hurricane Helene also caused extensive damage within the park. But Hurricane Milton did far worse. It flooded the maintenance bay or shop, with water rising three to four feet inside the building. Additionally, most of the equipment was either compromised or severely damaged. What’s more, numerous hazards remain, from fallen trees to further infrastructure damage.

Consequently, there is no firm timeline, and with such extensive damage throughout the park, it’s likely Lake Seminole Park will remain closed and will not open for a few to several months.

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