Blog Archive
Community Builds Out With Florida Water Star℠
: On Top of the World (OTOW), an active adult community in Ocala, plans for all future homes to achieve Florida Water Star℠ (FWS) certification over the next 20 years, saving residents millions of dollars and…
Partners Celebrate Water Conservation Month
: Today is the last day of Water Conservation Month, and April is traditionally one of the driest of the year and peak demand season for public water suppliers. The District works with our local government…
District to Hold Public Workshop to Provide Information on Weeki Wachee Channel Restoration Project
: The District is hosting a public meeting 5 p.m. April 16 to provide information and get feedback on the Weeki Wachee Channel Restoration Project.
The purpose of this multi-year project is to evaluate…
Celebrate Water Conservation Month by Saving Water Indoors
: April is Water Conservation Month. This month is traditionally one of the driest of the year and marks the peak demand season for public water suppliers.
The District especially encourages conservation…
Local City Wins Tastiest Tap Water Award
: The City of Wildwood in Sumter Counter is known as “the crossroads of Florida” for its central location near several major roadways in the state. Now, it can also add the distinction of tastiest tap water in…
Citrus Task Force Working to Save Growers Time, Money
: With the citrus industry facing challenges due to hurricanes, greening and the lowest annual production since World War II, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is working to improve…
Intern Joins Army
: After working as an intern in the Operations and Land Management Bureau for two and a half years, student intern Tyler Williams is preparing to embark on an opportunity of a lifetime.
Williams recently joined…
District Asks Homeowners to "Skip A Week" of Irrigation This Winter
: With the cooler temperatures this week, the District is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February.
According to…
New Funding Opportunity for Conservation Projects
: The District has launched a new 50 percent cost share reimbursement program to support water conservation projects Districtwide. Known as WISE, the Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency program will award…
District Hosts Geology Symposium
: Master’s students will get a chance to show the culmination of years of study and work when the District hosts the USF Professional Science Master’s in Geology Symposium. District employee Julie Zydek, a staff…
District Hosts Workshop on Weeki Wachee Study
: The Southwest Florida Water Management District is hosting a public workshop Nov. 8 to provide information and get feedback on the Weeki Wachee Natural System Carrying Capacity Study.
The purpose…
Florida Water Star Community Holds Celebration
: A Ruskin community recently celebrated the grand opening of a new clubhouse and playground, but its Florida Water Star℠ (FWS) homes are another reason leaders are celebrating.
Bayou Pass Village 4 recently…
Road Project Helps Water Quality
: A completed road project in Auburndale will help reduce flooding and improve water quality thanks to a partnership between the District and the city.
Auburndale city leaders recently dedicated the PK Avenue…
State Submits Restoration Plan for Springs
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District springs could receive about 40 percent of funding in a proposed state plan to pay for projects to help protect local springs.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)…
Exhibit Highlights District's Contributions to Conservation
: Learn more about the District’s history and mission in a new exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center.
The museum recently opened the exhibit “A History of Conservation: A Bird’s Eye View.”
The…
Watch the Weather, Wait to Water
: Residents who irrigate their lawns are encouraged to take advantage of the summer rains and “watch the weather, wait to water.”
During the months of July, August and September, yards need no more…
Regulation Division Recognized for Excellence
: The District’s Regulation Division recently received two awards from the Florida Sterling Council, an organization promoting excellence in business management.
Michelle Maxey, Regulatory Support Bureau chief…
Governing Board Officers Begin New Term This Month
: The District’s Governing Board recently voted in a new slate of officers for the 2018-2019 term.
Governing Board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the…
Water Experts Talk Innovation
: Water experts from around the state recently talked innovation as District staff highlighted a variety of projects and programs aimed at recovering and restoring water resources.
May 2018 meeting…
Partners Celebrate Water Conservation Month
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This month marks the 20th anniversary of Water Conservation Month. This month is traditionally one of the driest of the year and peak demand season for public water suppliers. The District works…
Following Their Footsteps
: District staff often will say their co-workers feel like family. But for some employees, it really is true. Here’s a few stories of family connections at the District:
Tradesworker Tyler Ledington was excited…
Celebrate Water Conservation Month by Saving Water Indoors
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This April marks the 20th anniversary of Water Conservation Month. This month is traditionally one of the driest of the year and marks the peak demand season for public water suppliers.
The…
Educator Honored with Springs Community Partner Award
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The District’s Governing Board recognized Cheryl Paradis as one of this year’s springs community partners, while declaring April Springs Protection Awareness Month.
Paradis has served as the…
Employee Recognized for Assisting Citizen
: A District staff member was recently recognized for his quick thinking when assisting a citizen, possibly saving a life.
Alan Saxton, a senior heavy equipment operator for the District, received an Award of…
Volunteers ‘Give a Day’ for Rock Ponds
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Forty-four volunteers recently combed the Tampa Bay shoreline and adjacent upland habitats associated with the Rock Ponds Ecosystem Restoration Project to pick up trash.
The volunteers came…
Celebrate Florida Hiking Trails Month on District Lands
: Celebrate February as Florida Hiking Trails Month exploring the more than 850 miles of hiking trails on District lands.
Florida Hiking Trails month, recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental…
District Encourages Homeowners to "Skip A Week" of Irrigation This Winter
: With the cooler temperatures this week, the District is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February.
According to…
18 Ways to Save Water in 2018
: Pledge to conserve water in 2018. Here are 18 simple ways to save water:
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
Take shorter showers, 5 minutes or less.
Flush less. The toilet isn’t a…
Career Comes Full Circle for District Employee
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From an early age, Senior Environmental Scientist Philip Rhinesmith knew he wanted to work in natural resources.
Through an independent study course at Saint Leo University, Philip worked in the…
New System Streamlines Application Process for Job Seekers
: The District has made it easier for job seekers to find and apply for career opportunities at the District thanks to a new streamlined system.
The new system, launched this month, allows potential job…
District Internship Program Helps Students Succeed
: Finance Intern Joe Powanda starts his day in Procurement by running reports to help the specialists as well as preparing documents for site visits. He also has a hand in proofing contracts and assists with…
Soaring to New Heights
: Imagine the excitement of boarding an airplane with 15 of your closest friends to jump out at 1,500 feet with only the wind in your face. For Senior Environmental Scientist Jeff Whealton, this is a regular…
Citrus County Home Earns Florida Water Star Certification
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When Wayne Rubow designed his new Citrus County home, he wanted water conservation to be a central concept of the design.
Inside, he chose low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets. He installed…
Rock Ponds Project Honored by Planning Commission
: The Rock Ponds Ecosystem Restoration Project was recognized last week by the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission for excellence in planning, design and execution.
The District, along with…
South Venice Celebrates Restored Waterway
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Homeowners in South Venice have long touted water quality as a top neighborhood issue, and they recently celebrated a project that will create additional habitat and help improve water quality in…
District Scientists Complete Second Year of Wetland Monitoring Program Setup
: District scientists have completed a second year of setting up wetland monitoring sites as part of a regional monitoring program.
The project is part of the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI), a water…
Governing Board Approves SWIM Plans
: The District’s Governing Board recently approved SWIM plans for the Homosassa and Chassahowitzka rivers, meaning all five first-magnitude springs in the District now have established plans for improvement of…
Springs Advocate Remembered at Governing Board Meeting
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The District’s Governing Board honored Bob Mercer at its meeting Tuesday for his passion and dedication to improving the Crystal River/Kings Bay spring system. Mercer passed away in January.
Mercer’…
Gov. Scott Announces Millions in Funding for Springs Restoration Projects
: The Southwest Florida Water Management District will receive a portion of $50 million in the state budget for projects that help restore area springs.
Gov. Rick Scott announced the Florida Department of…
District Restoration Projects Approved to Receive $15 Million in Funding
: Seven springs restoration projects in Citrus and Hernando Counties will receive $12 million in state funding from Legacy Florida through the department’s Division of Water Restoration Assistance program. This…