Welcome to the Southwest Florida Water Management District

The District’s Governing Board voted Tuesday for the latest slate of officers for the 2026-2027 term.

Governing Board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. The Governing Board sets policy for the District, whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks and ensure the public’s water needs are met.

Today, the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted to elect officers for the 2026-2027 term. All water management districts are now holding elections in October for consistency.

Jack Bispham was elected chair of the Governing Board. Bispham represents Manatee County and is the owner and operator of Red Bluff Plantation. Bispham was appointed to the Governing Board in November 2019 and was reappointed in May 2021 and again in August 2025.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Edward W. Chance Reserve - Gilley Creek Tract in Manatee County will be temporarily closed to the public for feral hog hunts Nov. 3-5.

Only permitted hunters will be allowed on the property during these dates. All 12 permits for these hunts have been sold.

The Edward W. Chance Reserve - Gilley Creek Tract is located at 22310 CR 675 in Parrish.