Circle B Bar Reserve Reopens a Week After Debby

Circle B Bar Reserve reopened Monday afternoon, a week after Hurricane Debby flooded two parking lots, a portion of the driveway and several trails — but visitors probably shouldn’t wear white sneakers.

Polk County parks officials said the trails are still very wet and some portions may be flooded. Visitors are advised to use caution.

Alligator closures continue: The Marsh Rabbit Run Trail and a portion of the Alligator Alley Trail are also still closed due to alligator nesting season, which typically lasts through early September.

Important wetland: Circle B Bar Reserve is a 1,267-acre reserve on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock. The former cattle ranch has been restored and now has several distinct ecosystems including freshwater wetlands, the Banana Creek marsh and oak hammocks.

County officials noted that its environmental lands are intended to hold a large amount of water. They play an important role in preventing flooding elsewhere.