Coldwater Creek flooding impacts business at 'Bob's Canoes' in Milton

June 27, 2026 - 02:54

MILTON, Fla. -- After days of rising water from Tropical Storm Arthur's remnants, the Coldwater Creek is finally receding, but local businesses are still feeling the impact. At Bob's Canoes in Milton, the flooding forced a temporary shutdown at the peak of the spring season. Owner Bob Johnson said the creek rose nearly four feet above normal levels, submerging the launch area and parking lot. "We had to cancel all reservations for three days," Johnson explained. "That is a lot of lost revenue for a small operation like ours." The business typically sees a surge in customers during May, but the unexpected floodwaters turned the usually calm creek into a swift, muddy current. While the water is now dropping back to normal, Johnson noted that cleanup is just beginning. Mud and debris are scattered across the property, and several rental canoes were damaged when they broke loose from their moorings. "We are used to some high water, but this one caught us off guard," he said. "We are just hoping the rest of the season stays dry." Santa Rosa County officials reported no major structural damage from the flooding, but the economic ripple effect on creek-side businesses like Bob's Canoes is still being assessed.