News

2006

May

Storm drain improvements slated for Lake Coronado area »

A project funded by the Southwest Florida Management District and St. Petersburg will improve drainage in the Lake Coronado area, which is located in south St. Petersburg.

District signs agreement for plan that could conserve groundwater »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District and Winter Haven recently signed an agreement to begin a master plan that will identify ways to use reclaimed water and conserve the groundwater supply.

"A River Runs Through" Free Community Fair at Hillsborough River State Park »

Environmental enthusiasts of all ages are invited to come out and enjoy a free community fair being held at the Hillsborough River State Park, May 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Resist Temptation and Follow Water Conservation Practices »

During the dry season, many homeowners are tempted to over-water their lawns and gardens. The Southwest Florida Water Management District would like to remind homeowners that more water is not the answer to their landscaping dilemmas.

Play Teaches Kids, Community about Water Conservation »

Next weekend Hillsborough County adults will have the opportunity to see what their kids have been enjoying in their schools for years.

Governor Appoints Bispham to Manasota Basin Board »

Gov. Jeb Bush recently appointed Jack Bispham to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Manasota Basin Board.Bispham, who is from Sarasota, is the owner and president of Bayside Sod, Inc. He succeeds Evelio Sardina. Bispham’s term began May 8 and ends March 1, 2008.

Wheelin' Sportsmen Fishing Derby »

Who: Southwest Florida Water Management District staff, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)/Wheelin’ Sportsmen representatives, disabled anglers, boy scouts

Charlotte Harbor Watershed Management Plan Will Address Flooding »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is working with Charlotte County to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan for the Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).

Teachers: Learn About Ground Water at "Summer School" »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is teaming up with the United States Geological Survey and the American Ground Water Trust to offer a free, two-day Ground Water Institute for teachers in the Peace River watershed.

Become a Water C.H.A.M.P. During National Tourism Week »

Hotels and motels can celebrate National Tourism Week by signing up to participate in the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s successful water conservation program known as Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (Water C.H.A.M.P.)

Lake Panasoffkee Preservation Celebration »

The public is invited to attend a celebration focusing on the history, restoration and future preservation of Lake Panasofkee on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

District Helps Fund "Perk Up A Park" Project »

The John Chestnut Senior Park in Tarpon Springs is about to undergo a little “spring cleaning.”

Pollution study will lead to improved water quality »

A cooperatively funded project between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Pinellas County will determine how much pollution is entering Pinellas Countys impaired waters.

April

Restoration Project Will Provide Water Quality, Erosion Control and Habitat Benefits »

A cooperatively funded project between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Manatee County Audubon Society will restore almost 10 acres of freshwater wetlands and uplands habitat, which will improve water quality, act as a buffer against erosion and provide exceptional habitat

Come Play in the Dirt at the Florida Yard Fandango »

Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts are invited to play in the dirt at the Florida Yard Fandango. This Florida-friendly gardening event is being held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) on May 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

District approves project that could reduce groundwater pumping up to 71,000 gallons per day »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Tuesday approved a project to reduce groundwater pumping at a DeSoto County farm.

Governing Board Approves Funding for Withlacoochee River Watershed Study »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday approved a plan to complete a comprehensive study of the Withlacoochee River watershed. The ongoing study was being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) until federal funding dried up.

Agreement Continues Airboat Access to Potts Preserve »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday agreed to issue a non-exclusive license agreement to the Citrus County Airboat Alliance to Potts Preserve.

Disabled Anglers Invited to Participate in Fishing Derby »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Wheelin’ Sportsmen are inviting disabled anglers to participate in a fishing derby.

Southwest Florida Water Management District Approves New Source for City of Oldsmars Water Supply »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved a water use permit that will allow Oldsmar to withdraw an average of 2.7 million gallons per day of brackish ground water to meet its needs.

District Approves key land purchase in Green Swamp »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board today approved the joint acquisition of the property known as the Overstreet parcel with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Polk County.

Daughters and Sons To Work Day »

Who:Southwest Florida Water Management District Staff and approximately 70 childrenWhat:The District’s 10th Annual “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day”

Restrooms at Green Thumb Festival Teach About Water Conservation »

Homeowners and gardeners looking to perk up their yard can learn a lot about landscaping at the Green Thumb Festival in St. Petersburg. In fact, they can even pick up Florida-friendly landscaping tips when they use the restroom!

Charlotte County Creeks to be Treated for Water Hyacinth and Water Lettuce »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water hyacinth and water lettuce on portions of Shell Creek and Prairie Creek April 24-27. The sites are located upstream of the Henderson Dam in Charlotte County.

Apply Online for In-school Mini-Grants »

Teachers interested in securing a Splash! mini-grant through the Southwest Florida Water Management District can begin applying online. The application is available on the District’s web site at WaterMatters.org/mini-grants.

Drop in Water Level to Benefit Lake Panasoffkee »

In an effort to continue to improve water clarity in Lake Panasoffkee, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is temporarily lowering the lake level by operating the Wysong-Coogler Water Conservation Structure.

District Helps Fund Hillsborough River Clean Up Project »

The Hillsborough River will get some tender loving care from the Lowry Park Zoo’s Boy Scouts of America Zoo Troop 47 and employees from JPMorgan Chase.

Celebrate Earth Day with "Water, Wings and Wild Things" »

Polk County residents are invited to celebrate Earth Day with “Water, Wings and Wild Things,” a family event being held Saturday at IMC Park, next to the Bartow Civic Center.

Minimum Flows and Levels Explained at Workshop »

Local elected officials, community leaders, regional water supply authority board members, and other interested people are invited to attend a workshop in Hernando County aimed at explaining minimum flows and levels (MFLs.)

District Celebrates Volunteers' Efforts »

Hundreds of volunteers were honored this weekend for the valuable contribution they have made to help improve public lands and restore Tampa Bay.

Key land purchase proposed in Green Swamp »

Florida may soon have a new 5,000-acre state park in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve in Polk County.

Students "Sharing Our Passion for the Environment" »

Who:Southwest Florida Water Management District staff, educators and approximately 500 students from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas countiesWhat:6th Annual Youth Summit

Restoration projects begin at Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has begun construction on four projects to restore natural systems and improve the water quality at the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve.

District Honors Volunteers with Appreciation Day »

Who:Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing and Basin Board members and staff, hundreds of volunteers

Water Conservation Restrooms "attack" wasteful habits at Sharks Tooth Festival »

In celebration of Water Conservation Month, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is bringing its water conservation restrooms to the Sharks Tooth Festival. The event is being held April 7-9 near Venice.

Funding policies promote regional solutions »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board recently adopted policies to ensure that District funding is spent on water supply projects that are consistent with regional water supply goals and provide relief to stressed groundwater sources.

March

Basin Board Appointments Announced »

Governor Jeb Bush recently appointed several members to seven of the eight Basin Boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Some of the Basin Board members are reappointments and some of them are newly appointed.Alafia River Basin Board:

District approves SWUCA Recovery Strategy »

Nearly a decade of public workshops, water resource analyses, and policy debates culminated this week in approval of the Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) Recovery Strategy by the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board.

District Declares April Water Conservation Month »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday declared April “Water Conservation Month.”

Tarpon Springs Project Will Increase Reclaimed Water Storage and Usage »

The Southwest Florida Water Management District and the City of Tarpon Springs are working on a project that will increase reclaimed water storage, allowing the city to effectively manage reclaimed water production and supply throughout the year while adding more reclaimed water customers.