Due to significant damage along the Hillsborough River from Hurricane Milton, the Florida Department of Emergency Management will be clearing debris from the river.
The following sites will be closed until further notice to allow crew staging and for crews to safely remove debris from the river:
- Dead River Conservation Park
- John B Sargeant Conservation Park
- Trout Creek Conservation Park
- Morris Bridge Conservation Park's West entrance and boat ramp
There will be no public access to the river at this time.
John B. Sargeant Sr. Conservation Park is part of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and is best known for boating access to the Hillsborough River. Downriver, the Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail winds through a jungle of hardwood trees, lilies, and wading birds and is popular for both new and experienced paddlers. Upstream, the river widens to flow through the broad hardwood swamp known as the Seventeen Runs.
The site was formerly known as Flint Creek Park and was renamed in 1989 in memory of John B. Sargeant, Sr., who served as a member of the Hillsborough River Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Park activities and features include a small boat ramp, picnicking, boardwalk, and fishing.
Limited canoe rentals are also available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8AM and Noon. Canoe rentals are $25 for four hours, for onsite use only. To rent a canoe, visit the Conservation Parks Administrative Office at 13173 North US Hwy 301, Thonotosassa. You will receive a rental ticket there to be redeemed on site at John B Sargeant Park. There is no shuttle service for canoe rentals at this time.