The Southwest Florida Water Management District is seeking public input about proposed minimum flows and levels (MFL) for Lake Panasoffkee in Sumter County.
A minimum flow or level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment. The District Governing Board sets these limits as part of achieving a balance between meeting human water needs and those of Florida’s natural systems. Minimum lake levels are used as guidelines in District permitting programs, for development of water resource projects and as information for development bordering lakes.
A public open house on proposed MFL for Lake Panasoffkee will be held Thursday, Oct. 27, at the District’s Brooksville Headquarters, 2379 Broad Street. The open house will be held in conference rooms A and B on the first floor of Building 4. Citizens are invited to attend the open house between 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
This meeting will afford an important opportunity for local governments, citizens and others to be part of the development of minimum flows and levels for the lake.
Public comment gathered at the meeting will be summarized and presented to the Governing Board when staff presents the recommended MFL at the District’s Nov. 30 or Dec. 1 Governing Board meeting. At that time, the Governing Board may choose to adopt the MFL into District rules. Governing Board meetings are open to the public where brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.
Written comments are also welcome and can be submitted via mail or email to Lisa Henningsen, environmental scientist, no later than Nov. 29. The addresses are 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or Lisa.Henningsen@watermatters.org.
Draft reports containing information on the development of MFL for the lakes are available under the Minimum Flows and Levels heading on the Documents and Publications page of the District’s web site, WaterMatters.org. For more information, please contact Lisa Henningsen at (352) 796-7211, ext. 4268, or 1-800-423-1476, ext 4268.