Okeechobee Waterway

waterway, Florida, United States

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July 1, 2026

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The Okeechobee Waterway is a 155-mile (250-km) cross-state waterway in southern Florida, United States. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico by utilizing the St. Lucie Canal, Lake Okeechobee, and the Caloosahatchee River. This waterway is part of the larger Intracoastal Waterway system along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.12

Lake Okeechobee, a large freshwater lake, is a central feature of the waterway. Historically, water management projects have focused on controlling floods and draining land for agriculture, particularly sugarcane cultivation. However, these efforts have impacted the Everglades ecosystem, leading to restoration initiatives aimed at re-establishing natural water flow. The waterway is used by both commercial vessels and pleasure craft.132

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Fort Myers
…western terminus of the cross-state Okeechobee Waterway, linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico via Lake Okeechobee. Tourism is a mainstay of the city’s economy, and the area has a large retiree population. The flower industry, especially chrysanthemums, azaleas, and poinsettias, is also important, as are vegetable farming,…
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…western terminus of the cross-state Okeechobee Waterway, linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico via Lake Okeechobee. Tourism is a mainstay of the city’s economy, and the area has a large retiree population. The flower industry, especially chrysanthemums, azaleas, and poinsettias, is also important, as are vegetable farming,…
Read More