U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

08/11/2026

When someone is struggling in the water, your first instinct may be to jump in and help — but that could put two lives at risk instead of one.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District park rangers are sharing an important water safety message every recreation visitor should remember:

Reach. Throw. Row. Don’t Go.

👉 Reach for the person from a safe position.
🛟 Throw them something that floats.
🚣 Row or use a boat to reach them when it can be done safely.
🚫 Don’t Go into the water after them unless you are a trained rescuer.

Whether you’re boating, fishing, swimming or simply enjoying a day near the water, knowing what to do during an emergency can help save a life.
Watch, share and remember: Reach. Throw. Row. Don’t Go. Because the best day on the water is a safe one!

08/10/2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Partnership Protects Atlantic Beach Dunes

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. -- An effort to control an invasive plant in Atlantic Beach shows how environmental stewardship supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ coastal storm risk management mission.

The City of Atlantic Beach detected beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) in 2024 during a beach renourishment project. The city contacted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District for assistance, and Jessica Spencer, a biologist with the district’s Invasive Species Management Branch, led the Early Detection and Rapid Response effort.

“The partnership we established with the Jax District for dealing with the beach vitex provided the expertise and equipment to rapidly get the areas colonized by beach vitex under control and eventually eradicate it from these areas altogether,” said Steve Swann, city engineer for Atlantic Beach. “This would not have happened without the help of Jessica and other Jax District personnel.”

Read more here:

Early detection and rapid response to beach vitex help protect dune stability, strengthen coastal resilience and support the long-term performance of a coastal storm risk management project.

08/10/2026

Before you set out on your next water adventure, please make sure everyone including yourself is wearing a properly fitted life jacket.

08/07/2026

USACE Jacksonville District's Eva Vélez, Chief of the Everglades Agricultural Area Integrated Project Office, joined the Everglades Foundation and our federal, state, and local partners today to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Senator Joe Negron's call to build the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir. In her remarks, Vélez highlighted the momentum behind one of the nation's largest ecosystem restoration projects and the unique partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District that is turning a bold vision into reality. Together, we're restoring the natural flow of water to America's Everglades while delivering lasting benefits for the St. Lucie River, Caloosahatchee Estuary, and South Florida.

08/07/2026

Unwind by spending time on the water with family and friends. To help ensure nothing interferes with your rest and relaxation please wear a properly fitted life jacket and encourage others to wear theirs too. Please Wear It

08/06/2026

Many Partners, One Mission: Jacksonville District and Florida Agencies Tackling Everglades Invasives

DAVIE, Fla. (Jul. 22-23, 2026) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District joined more than a dozen federal, state, local, university, and nonprofit partners at the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) Summit, a two‑day gathering focused on the growing threat of invasive species in South Florida.

South Florida is a hotspot for new plants and animals, and the summit underscored how species from around the world can arrive through ports, the pet and ornamental plant trades, and other pathways. Some escape or are released into the wild and become invasive when they harm the environment, the economy, or human health. Hundreds of invasive species now call South Florida home, complicating and slowing restoration of America’s Everglades and demonstrating why no single agency can tackle this challenge alone.

Read more here:
https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4564451/many-partners-one-mission-jacksonville-district-and-florida-agencies-tackling-e/

08/05/2026

Jacksonville District Teammates Sweep ECISMA Honors for Everglades Invasive Species Work

DAVIE, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District received top recognition at this year’s Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) Summit, where two district employees received the only awards presented during the annual gathering of Everglades invasive species professionals.

Jon Lane, Invasive Species Management Branch chief, received the ECISMA Lifetime Achievement Award, while Jessica Spencer, a district biologist that works for Lane, was named ECISMA Partner of the Year. The awards highlight the district’s long-standing commitment to invasive species management across the Everglades.

Read more here:
https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4564474/jacksonville-district-teammates-sweep-ecisma-honors-for-everglades-invasive-spe/

08/05/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Engineering & Construction Community of Practice - Hard Hat of the Year Award Winner Michael McHugh!

08/03/2026

Attention all concerned boaters! Route 2, along the Okeechobee Water Way will experience temporary closures from July 27th through August 7th, please see below:

For the current Lake Okeechobee water levels, please visit:
https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml

07/31/2026

No Wake Zones are there for a reason. Reducing your speed helps protect swimmers, paddlers, and wildlife, keeps docks and boats safe from damage, and protects shorelines from erosion.

Remember, when you enter a No Wake Zone:
✅ Slow to idle speed
✅ Minimize your wake
✅ Stay alert for others on the water
✅ Take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
✅ Make sure every passenger stays on the vessel and keeps their life jacket on