The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted unanimously today to approve an agreement that will further pave the way for Weeki Wachee Springs to become a state park.
The Governing Board approved the settlement agreement between Weeki Wachee Springs and the District that will end four years of litigation between the two parties. The agreement calls for Weeki Wachee Springs to become at state park on Nov. 1, 2008. However, under the terms of the agreement, if Weeki Wachee Springs does not become a state park on November 1, the case will resume litigation where it left off.
The Governing Board initially approved a settlement agreement with Weeki Wachee during its January 29 meeting; however the Governing Board set a deadline of February 1 for the City of Weeki Wachee to sign the new agreement. Since the City of Weeki Wachee signed the new agreement after the February 1 deadline set by the Board, the agreement had to be approved by the Governing Board again this month.
“The Governing Board is very pleased that all of the agreements between the District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Weeki Wachee are now signed and in place,” said Judy Whitehead, Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board chair. “Weeki Wachee Springs will truly be a wonderful addition to the award-winning Florida State Park System.”
The District’s primary goals have always been protecting this significant water resource and ensuring that those operating the facility are protecting the safety of the visitors and employees at the Weeki Wachee Springs attraction.