OKEECHOBEE

• USOKB
• Latitude: 27.2148
• Longitude: -80.7992
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

Okeechobee is not a marine port in the traditional sense but rather a significant inland waterway port due to its location on Lake Okeechobee in Florida, USA. The lake plays a crucial role in the Okeechobee Waterway, which extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, facilitating the movement of goods and recreational boating across the state.

Key Features and Specifications:

1. Location:

• Geographic Position: Lake Okeechobee is located in south-central Florida. It is the largest freshwater lake in the state and the second-largest body of freshwater in the contiguous United States.
• Coordinates: Approximately 26.9401° N latitude, 80.8359° W longitude.

2. Waterway Connections:

• Okeechobee Waterway: This 154-mile (248 km) waterway connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the St. Lucie River) and the Gulf of Mexico (via the Caloosahatchee River), passing through Lake Okeechobee.
• Locks and Dams: The waterway includes several locks to manage water levels and vessel traffic, including the St. Lucie Lock and Dam, and the Moore Haven Lock and Dam.

3. Port Facilities:

• While Lake Okeechobee itself does not have extensive commercial port facilities, it serves recreational and small-scale commercial activities.
• Marinas: Various marinas around the lake provide docking, fueling, and repair services.
• Landing Facilities: Some areas offer public boat ramps and docking facilities.

4. Navigation:

• Vessel Types: The waterway can accommodate small to medium-sized recreational vessels, barges, and other shallow-draft vessels.
• Depth and Width: The navigable channels through Lake Okeechobee and the connecting rivers typically maintain depths of around 8 feet (2.4 meters) to accommodate vessel traffic. Channel widths average around 80 feet (24 meters).

5. Economic and Recreational Importance:

• Commercial Use: Some commercial traffic includes agricultural and small industrial cargo. However, large-scale shipping is minimal.
• Recreation: Lake Okeechobee is a major hub for fishing, boating, and other water sports, drawing numerous tourists and local enthusiasts.
• Wildlife and Conservation: The lake and surrounding wetlands support a diverse ecosystem, important for local wildlife conservation efforts.

6. Environmental Considerations:

• Water Quality Management: Nutrient runoff and algae blooms are significant environmental concerns, prompting ongoing water management and environmental protection initiatives.
• Flood Control: The Herbert Hoover Dike encircles much of the lake to provide flood protection for surrounding communities.

In summary, while Okeechobee does not function as a traditional maritime port, its strategic location and integration into the Okeechobee Waterway make it a vital inland navigation point, benefitting regional commerce, recreation, and environmental conservation.