Fort Lauderdale lifts precautionary waterway advisory for portion of South Fork of Middle River along N Federal Highway

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The City of Fort Lauderdale has announced that the precautionary advisory for water-related recreational activities along a portion of the South Fork of Middle River has been lifted, effective immediately. The advisory, which was put in place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, followed a nearby sewer overflow that prompted city officials to caution residents and visitors about potential water quality concerns.

The affected area includes the South Fork of Middle River along N. Federal Highway within the following boundaries: to the north, Middle River Drive; to the south, NE 22nd Terrace; to the east, Middle River Drive; and to the west, NE 24th Street. After conducting water sampling and analysis, officials determined that the waterway now meets the State’s surface water quality standards, allowing for the resumption of recreational activities in the area.

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City authorities emphasized that the precautionary measure was implemented out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of those engaging in water-based activities. “Water sampling in the affected area has demonstrated that the waterway meets the State’s surface water quality standards,” city officials confirmed, reassuring the public that conditions have returned to acceptable levels.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about waterway conditions and other local advisories through official City of Fort Lauderdale channels. For additional information regarding waterway quality or city services, individuals may contact the Customer Service Center by calling 954-828-8000, emailing [email protected], using the FixItFTL app, or visiting fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl.

The city also reminds the public of Alert FTL, a free emergency notification program that delivers critical updates via phone, text, or email. Residents can sign up for the service at fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl to receive timely alerts regarding waterway advisories, weather events, and other emergencies.

With the lifting of this advisory, recreational users of the South Fork of Middle River can safely resume activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. Officials encourage continued vigilance and adherence to safety practices while enjoying the city’s waterways, noting that temporary closures or advisories may be reinstated if future incidents occur.

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The city’s proactive monitoring and communication efforts highlight Fort Lauderdale’s commitment to public safety and environmental stewardship. By providing timely updates and ensuring that water quality meets state standards, the city aims to maintain safe and enjoyable conditions for all who use its rivers and canals.

Residents are advised to remain aware of future notifications and to take advantage of available online resources and mobile apps to stay informed about waterway conditions and other safety advisories throughout Fort Lauderdale.