Above left: Governing Board Chair Neil Combee congratulates former Governing Board Chair Joe Davis on his Lifetime Achievement Award. Above right: District Executive Director David Moore presents Fritz Musselmann, the District's recently retired land resources director, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The State of the Water Resources workshop was also an opportunity for the District to honor two men who were influential in the District’s growth and development.
Joe Davis, former Governing Board chair, and Fritz Musselmann, the District’s retiring land resources director, were each presented a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Davis chaired the Governing Board 15 years ago. He recognized the need for funding large-scale water supply projects. Davis promoted raising the millage to develop new water supplies, despite knowing he would be criticized for raising taxes.
His efforts have provided the District with the financing needed to help develop critical water supplies for future generations without going into debt.
Musselmann joined the District in 1975 and has helped shape the District’s Land Resources Department.
Under his leadership, the District and its partners have spent nearly $580 million to acquire nearly 340,000 acres of land for preservation and protection of our water resources.
Musselmann made sure that taxpayer dollars were spent wisely, that the acquired land was properly managed and that District lands offered residents optimal recreational opportunities.
“His efforts have improved west-central Florida’s water resources and the quality of life for area residents,” said David Moore, District executive director.