Fishing, Boating Off Limits Until Medard Park Reservoir Refills

Looking to the skies and praying for rain, Eastern Hillsborough County fishing and boating enthusiasts hope to return shortly to a favored local spot, where they can sling their hooks and dip a paddle. 

The reservoir at Edward Medard Park is currently closed to all water activities and only Mother Nature can reopen it, according to officials with the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department.

The reservoir was drained in 2010 for maintenance and repair by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

It will reopen again once the water level returns to its normal height, according to county officials. Only rainfall can refill the reservoir. That is expected to happen by this summer. Until then, fishing and boating are strictly off limits.

“We are still quite a ways away from refilling the reservoir. At least a month or two unless we get some really heavy rains,” said Kent Newcombe, the senior park manager at Medard.

The county is working with the Florida Wildlife Commission and Water Management to restock the reservoir with native game fish. Fishing will not be allowed until the fish can mature to breeding age.

The popular park on Turkey Creek Road remains open for other activities.