Legislation Provides Key Programs and Protection
During the District’s 60-year history, new laws established through the decades have helped the District protect water quality and natural systems. Here’s a look at some of the key legislation and programs established:
Governing Board to Meet in Brooksville
The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, July 27, at 9 a.m. at District Headquarters, located at 2379 Broad Street in Brooksville. The meeting is open to the public. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding fully vaccinated people, wearing masks and social distancing will be optional at the meeting.
To view the Governing Board meeting online, click on the live video stream link. The video stream link becomes active and the live video feed begins approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time.
Public comment will be taken only at the meeting location. Public input for issues not listed on the published agenda will be heard shortly after the meeting begins.
The meeting agenda and materials are posted one week before the meeting and can be found online at WaterMatters.org by clicking on the “Go to District Calendar.”
Subject
Governing Board
District to Hold Virtual Public Meetings on Land Management Plans
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will hold a series of virtual meetings to discuss the District’s Land Management Plans. The purpose of these meetings is to inform the public about updates to these plans, to solicit input from stakeholders and to incorporate feedback from the public and stakeholders into the development of the new 10-year plans.
The District adopts land management plans to ensure its public conservation lands are being managed in ways that are consistent with Florida Statutes and the District’s mission. District lands are acquired to preserve and protect water resources and natural systems while also providing public access for recreation.
Members of the public may participate in the public meetings via Microsoft Teams on the following dates and times:
- Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve (Marion County) and Lake Panasoffkee Preserve (Sumter County)
July 13 at 6 p.m. – TEAMS link https://bit.ly/3x3Fanj
- Upper Hillsborough Preserve and Cypress Creek Preserve (Pasco County)
July 15 at 6 p.m. - TEAMS link https://bit.ly/3gf0W0B
- Starkey Wilderness Preserve (Pasco County)
July 20 at 6 p.m. -TEAMS link https://bit.ly/3pABSW7
- Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve (Hillsborough County)
July 22 at 6 p.m. – TEAMS link https://bit.ly/2SjNvo2
District policy requires management plans for District-owned conservation lands be reviewed and updated every 10 years, unless otherwise directed by the District’s Governing Board. District lands are open to the public and community input is vital in determining how these lands are managed and used. To review these plans before the meetings, please visit WaterMatters.org/LandPlan.
Subject
Nature & Land
District Returns to Normal Operations
All Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) offices will be open Thursday, July 8, as the District returns to normal operations after Tropical Storm Elsa.
The District will lower the activation level of its Emergency Operations Center to a Level 3 at 8 a.m. Thursday morning. Level 3 activation is a general state of monitoring during the hurricane season.
All District-managed campgrounds and properties to include trails and day use areas throughout its 16-county region will reopen to the public Friday, July 9.
Subject
EOC
All District Offices Closed Wednesday, July 7
All Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) offices will be closed Wednesday, July 7, due to potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa.
The District will continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Elsa to determine if future closings are necessary, however District offices are expected to be open Thursday, July 8.
Information regarding District-related meeting cancellations will be provided to the media and made available on the District’s website at WaterMatters.org. As a reminder, you can find the latest information on Twitter.com/SWFWMD.
Subject
EOC
District Raises Activation Level of Emergency Operations Center
Emergency Operations Center at Level 1 Activation
Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) officials have raised the activation level of the District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Level 1 as they continue to monitor Tropical Storm Elsa. The EOC provides direction regarding District activities during an emergency weather event.
The District is evaluating potential impacts from the storm that could occur throughout its 16-county region. Despite recent heavy rainfall, most area lakes and waterways are within their operational ranges and District staff are operating structures in anticipation of the rainfall from Tropical Storm Elsa.
Level 1 activation is utilized when a specific weather situation has developed into an emergency. Level 1 is full activation, and the EOC will:
- Mobilize appropriate District emergency personnel to participate in emergency operations.
- Suspend normal departmental functions throughout the District that might interfere with emergency operations — all others continue.
- Monitor water levels and operate water control structures on water bodies throughout the District’s 16-county area as needed.
- Present daily (or as-needed) situation reports to the state EOC and maintain direct communications with the state and affected county EOCs.
- Ensure current event information is distributed to all District staff.
The EOC also directs District field crews, responds to requests from the state EOC, and provides water resource updates to state and local emergency management agencies, the media and the general public. The District EOC will expand to include additional emergency personnel as the situation demands.
Information concerning District-related meeting cancellations and office closures will also be provided to the media and made available on the District’s website at WaterMatters.org.
Subject
EOC
All District Offices Closed Tuesday, July 6
All Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) offices will be closed Tuesday, July 6, due to potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa. The District will continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Elsa to determine if future closings are necessary.
Information regarding District-related meeting cancellations will be provided to the media and made available on the District’s website at WaterMatters.org. As a reminder, you can find the latest information on Twitter.com/SWFWMD.
Subject
EOC
All District-Managed Campgrounds and Properties to Close at 5 p.m. Monday, July 5
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will close all District-managed campgrounds and properties to include trails and day use areas throughout its 16-county region at 5 p.m. Monday, July 5, in anticipation of impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa.
For the most updated information, please visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org.
As a reminder, you can follow along for immediate updates on social media at Twitter.com/SWFWMD.
Subject
EOC
District Monitors Tropical Storm Elsa
Emergency Operations Center at Level 2 activation
Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) officials are monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa and have raised the activation level of the District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Level 2 as of 10 a.m. July 4, 2021. The EOC provides direction regarding District activities before, during and after an emergency event.
The District is continuing to monitor potential impacts from the storm that could occur throughout its 16-county region. District staff are operating structures based on current and anticipated water levels.
Level 2 activation is utilized when a specific weather situation has reached a point where the District may be adversely affected. Level 2 is a partial activation, and the EOC will:
- Monitor water levels and operate its water control structures throughout the District’s 16–county area as needed.
- Maintain direct communications with the state and affected county EOCs.
- Ensure current event information is distributed to all District staff.
- Direct the safe use of the District’s recreational facilities such as campgrounds.
- Elevate to a Level 1 Full Activation, when necessary.
The EOC also directs District field crews, responds to requests from the state EOC, and provides water resource updates to state and local emergency management agencies, the media and the general public. The District EOC will expand to include additional emergency personnel as the situation demands. For the most updated information, please visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org.
Subject
EOC