A popular spot in Citrus County for locals and tourists has been closed.

  • Three Sisters Springs needs repairs to eroded shoreline around the Springs
  • Erosion causing a safety issue
  • Officials hope to re-open the Springs before manatee season starts in November

Restoration work will be going on at Three Sisters Springs until the fall.

Wildlife officials say the timing of the project isn't great with summer right around the corner, but they say the work really needs to be done.

The main goal of the project is to repair the eroded shoreline around the springs and prevent future erosion. Crews will use soil bags, boulders and native wetland plants to stabilize things and restore critical habitat.

The downside is Three Sisters Springs will be closed to the public for a while.

"It needs to get done," said Andrew Gude with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. "It is unfortunate that it has to happen at any point of the year. This is the time of the year when manatees aren't present, and the only time we can do the work is when manatees aren't present."

Wildlife officials also say the erosion is causing a safety issue in terms of the potential for falling trees.

The plan is to reopen the springs before manatee season starts in November.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is taking the lead on the project. They say work should start soon.