The District has been receiving questions about its ability to move water out of Lake Thonotosassa through the Flint Creek water control structure. 

The lake was lowered to the maximum amount possible before the storm. However, due to historic rainfall from Hurricane Milton, the Flint Creek water control structure on Lake Thonotosassa is completely under water and the water is flowing over the land around the structure. 

Under normal circumstances, water naturally flows from the south in Baker Canal and Baker Creek into Lake Thonotosassa. The Flint Creek water control structure helps maintain water levels on the 800-acre lake, which is Hillsborough County’s largest lake, and water can be released through the structure north to the Hillsborough River.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday Oct. 22 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.” 

Some areas of the District are still seeing rising floodwater. Flooding can occur days and even weeks after a storm due to numerous factors. Where, when and how much rainfall occurred are just some of the reasons for post-Milton flooding.

When: The District has experienced an above-average year of rainfall. Hurricane Milton brought heavy rains at the end of the summer rainy season when the ground was already saturated and water levels were already high, preventing further absorption of water.

How much: Hurricane Milton brought tremendous amounts of rain. For example, some areas of the Green Swamp received close to 16 inches of rain. 

Where: Rivers and lakes are a part of a larger watershed. Rainwater that collects and runs off the surface of the land can take time to travel through the watershed into those rivers and lakes. This delayed runoff can lead to flooding well after a storm has passed. For larger watersheds, it may take weeks.  

For the latest updates on flooding in the District, visit WaterMatters.org/EOC or our social media channels (Facebook and X).

The Withlacoochee River is forecast to reach major flood stage in response to heavy rainfall from Hurricane Milton. The storm brought significant amounts of rain especially to the headwaters of the Withlacoochee River. Some areas of the Green Swamp received close to 16 inches of rain overnight Wednesday. The flooding is expected to reach higher levels than what was seen in Hurricane Irma (2017) and the 2004 hurricanes. Click here to see updates on how specific areas will be impacted and how the area’s lakes and structures are being managed. https://content.govdelivery.com/.../FLS.../bulletins/3bbaa84