The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Governing Board approved the purchase of Kirkland Ranch in Pasco County. This 940-acre parcel is located in Wesley Chapel and has been primarily used for cattle grazing and tree farming. The Kirkland family has owned this property since 1956. 

The Kirkland Ranch property is approximately 59% uplands and 41% wetlands. The areas surrounding the property are predominately residential single-family homes and are being developed around the west and south of the property as part of Epperson Ranch and Watergrass developments. This acquisition meets all four of the District’s Areas of Responsibility, which are water supply, water quality, flood protection and natural systems and is consistent with the District’s Florida Forever Workplan.

The parcel is being purchased for approximately $30.8 million, with money appropriated from the Florida Legislature to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The state funds are being provided to the District by DEP for the purpose of acquiring the property.

“We appreciate Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature’s commitment to preserving this conservation land in one of the fastest growing areas in Pasco County,” said Brian Armstrong, the District’s executive director. “This important purchase will help preserve the region’s lands and water resources for future generations.”

Kirkland Ranch is located east of Curley Road and just south of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation in Wesley Chapel.

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed James “Jim” Turner and reappointed Paul “Jack” Bispham, John Hall, and Nancy Watkins to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board. Turner represents Charlotte and Sarasota counties, Bispham represents Manatee County, Hall represents Polk County and Watkins represents Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Turner, of Sarasota, is Senior Counsel at Williams Parker Law Firm. Turner earned his bachelor’s degree in management science and accounting from Duke University and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. Turner is appointed to a term ending March 1, 2027.

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 was appointed in November 2019, reappointed in May 2021 and is reappointed to a four-year term ending March 1, 2029.

Hall, of Auburndale, is a cattle rancher and the owner of Polk Community Association Management. He was previously elected as a Polk County Commissioner. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University. Hall was appointed in May 2021 and is reappointed to a four-year term ending March 1, 2029.

Watkins, of Tampa, is a certified public accountant at Robert Watkins & Company, P.A. She earned her associate degree from Hillsborough Community College and her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. Watkins was appointed in August 2023 and is reappointed to a four-year term ending March 1, 2029.

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.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. at District Headquarters, located at 2379 Broad Street in Brooksville. 

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 “Meeting & Events Calendar.”