Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns now through March on Starkey Wilderness Preserve, Conner Preserve and Cypress Creek Preserve.

Starkey Wilderness Preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. 

Conner Preserve is located south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 300 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Cypress Creek Preserve is located east of Ehren Cutoff, one mile south of State Road 52. Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

• Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires. 
• Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants.
• Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat.
• Maintaining access for public recreation.

The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year. 

Click here to see aerial footage from a prescribed fire in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve where District land management staff burned 320 acres.

The Southwest Water Management District (District) will host an open house and community meeting regarding the Medard Reservoir Thursday, Jan. 23, at Durant High School located at 4748 Cougar Path in Plant City. The open house portion of the meeting will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a presentation from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

During the open house, District staff, along with representatives from Hillsborough County and the National Weather Service, will be available to answer questions and provide an overview of the following topics:

• 2024 Summer Wet Season
• Alafia River Watershed Overview
• Medard Reservoir, Dam and Structure
• Medard Structure Operations Before, During and After Hurricane Milton

The Medard Reservoir is located within the Alafia River Watershed. This watershed is the largest in Hillsborough County and is approximately 270,000 acres or 418 square miles.

After mining phosphate in the 1960s, the American Cyanamid Company donated the majority of this property to the District in 1969. The mine site was excavated across a 2-mile length of the Little Alafia River. In 1970, a dike and a control structure were built to create the 700-acre reservoir, which offers recreational opportunities, water supply benefits, and some flood protection along the Alafia River. 

Edward Medard Park is a popular recreation area located just east of Turkey Creek Road and south of State Road 60. In 1972, under agreement with the District, Hillsborough County developed this site as one of its largest regional parks. Originally known as the Pleasant Grove Reservoir Park, the property was renamed the Edward Medard Park and Reservoir in 1977 to honor a District Governing Board member. The park is managed by Hillsborough County, while the reservoir dam is operated by the District.

For more information on the Alafia River Watershed, visit WaterMatters.org/Watersheds.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (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 research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, then you can turn off your irrigation system and operate it manually as needed.

You can determine when your grass needs water when:

• Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard. 
• Grass blades appear blue-gray. 
• Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.  

Watering only every other week at most during the winter will help conserve drinking water supplies that the public needs for critical uses during the dry season. 

For additional information about water conservation, please visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/SkipAWeek. 

According to the National Weather Service, parts of the Tampa Bay area are expected to have near to below-freezing temperatures starting Tuesday morning and lasting throughout the week.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District advises residents who live near Plant City and Dover who have well pumps without automatic cutoff switches to turn off the pumps before temperatures dip.

During a freeze or near-freezing temperatures, water is pumped to protect crops and fish farms, causing aquifer levels to temporarily drop. Once aquifer levels fall below a well’s pump level, the pump can burn out if it is not shut off manually or automatically by a low-pressure shut-off device. An electrical switch located on or near the well can turn off most pumps.

Residents should wait until the temperatures warm up and water levels begin to recover before turning their pumps back on. Residents should consult their local well contractor for questions about restarting their pumps.

To report a dry well, visit WaterMatters.org or contact the District’s Regulation Division at (813) 985-7481.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is offering six easy ways to prepare for your holiday meals and travels without running up your water bill.

During the holidays, water plays a role in everything from preparing your food to prepping your home for time away during this festive season. Here’s how to incorporate water conservation into your holiday plans:

• Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them.
   
• Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use approximately 2 gallons per minute.
   
• Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.
   
• Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load. Standard dishwashers can use 5 gallons of water or more per load. If handwashing, turn the water off when you’re soaping up the dishes.
   
• Check for indoor and outdoor leaks before you head out for the holidays. A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day!
   
• Consider upgrading to a WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controller that can automatically adjust to your lawn's water needs while you enjoy your holiday travels.

For more water conservation tips, please visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Water101.