LAKELAND Fla. — Circle B Bar Reserve reopened on Tuesday after its trails were underwater due to Hurricane Milton.

Several visitors made their way through the park’s gates, including John Hughes and Oliver Kroll. Since first visiting in 2008, both men said they’ve seen the reserve close in the wake of storms, but never for as long as it did after Milton.

“Because of the amount of water that came with the last hurricane, with Milton,” Hughes said.

A large portion of Circle B was flooded, that meant it served its purpose to hold stormwater from nearby areas. Though Kroll understands the reserve’s function, he says he missed capturing the outdoors.

“I’m always taking pictures of the different flowers and the trees,” he said.

While Hughes couldn’t wait to see the wildlife.

“Of course, the star of the area, the alligator,” Hughes said.

Unfortunately, Alligator Alley and Marsh Rabbit Run trails are closed until further notice. Tabitha Biehl, Polk County’s Land and Water Natural Areas Manager, said both paths saw substantial damage.

“Due to the floodwaters and the rise in water levels here on site, there’s still damage on those trails, but we wanted to get things back to normal as soon as possible, so we opened the other trails on the site,” she said.

Biehl said her team began to clear the area of debris after the floodwaters started to recede into Lake Hancock.

Now, she says it’s safe for people to roam, which Hughes and Kroll recommend everyone should do.

Visitors are advised to use caution as additional trail sections may still be flooded. Trails may periodically be closed for management and safety reasons.