ASTOR — Effective Friday, Aug. 29, Lake County is temporarily closing two public boat ramps on Butler and Pearl streets in the unincorporated community of Astor.

The boat ramp closures at 55400 Butler St. and 25140 E. Pearl St. will help to reduce boat traffic in the area, which could cause further property damage to nearby residences that are suffering from flooding of the St. Johns River. In addition to the boat ramp closures, authorities have enacted a no-wake zone along the St. Johns River from Lake George to State Road 44.

To enforce the boat-ramp closures and no-wake zone, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is increasing its marine patrol of the St. Johns River from two units to four. Two paramedics from the Lake County Department of Public Safety, Fire Rescue Division, will be accompanying the Sheriff’s Office marine units to help respond to any calls for medical emergencies. In addition, the Lake County Parks & Trails Division will assign a park ranger to the area to assist with enforcement.

For more information about other Lake County parks and boat ramps, call (352) 253-4950.