Governor Ron DeSantis appointed William Hogarth and Johnnie Hall to the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board. Governor DeSantis reappointed Paul “Jack” Bispham who has served on the Governing Board since 2019. Hogarth represents Pinellas County, Hall represents Polk County and Bispham represents Manatee County.
Hogarth, of Treasure Island, is the former director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography at the University of South Florida. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Richmond and his doctorate degree in marine fisheries from North Carolina State University. Hogarth is filling the vacant Pinellas County seat, midcycle, with a term expiring March 1, 2022.
Hall, of Auburndale, is a cattle rancher and the owner of Polk Community Association Management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University. Hall is appointed to a four-year term ending March 1, 2025.
Bispham, of Myakka City, is the owner and operator of Red Bluff Plantation and Paul’s Parrish. Bispham earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida. Bispham is reappointed to a four-year term ending March 1, 2025.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
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 manage the water and related resources of west central Florida to meet the needs of current and future water users while protecting the environment.