UPDATE (4/12/2026):
3:57 p.m.
The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office says Horseshoe Highway, which was temporarily closed again earlier today, is now back open for travel.
Officials urge motorists to be cautious as smoke and heavy equipment remain in the area.
12:19 p.m.
The Dixie County Sheriff's Office says a brush fire in the Horseshoe Beach area has grown to approximately 950 acres and is 20% contained.
In a Facebook post, they say all roadways in the affected area continue to remain open, but officials urge motorists to use extreme caution. Heavy smoke remains in the area, and visibility may be significantly reduced at times.
Emergency crews from the Florida Forest Service and local agencies are actively working the blaze, now dubbed the Hwy 351 Fire. Resources assigned to the fire include one helicopter, one fixed-wing aircraft, a strike team of dozers from the Jacksonville District, and strike teams of engines from the Suwannee District and South Florida.
11:30 a.m.
All roadways in Dixie County have reopened after a brush fire in the Horseshoe Beach area grew to 700 acres, according to the Dixie County Sheriff's Office.
They’re asking all drivers to remain alert for emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel still working in the area.
(4/11/2026):
A brush fire in the Horseshoe Beach area has grown to 250 acres and is moving toward Bowlegs Mainline, forcing the ongoing closure of County Road 351.
The Dixie County Sheriff's Office said emergency crews are actively working the fire with 12 dozers, one fixed-wing aircraft, one helicopter and multiple ground personnel.
Original:
Dixie County Fire Rescue says an active 170-acre brush fire in the Horseshoe Beach area has forced the closure of County Road 351.
The fire started at 1:45 p.m., about one mile south of Shired Island Highway.
Dixie County Fire Rescue reported that 10 dozers and one helicopter are on the scene working to contain the blaze alongside the Florida Forest Service. The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with traffic control.
No structures are threatened at this time. Officials are asking the public to avoid the area to allow first responders to work safely.
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