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The confluence of Flint Creek and the Hillsborough River provides a beautiful setting for John B. Sargeant Park. The park is best known for boating access to the river. Downriver, the Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail is a winding, verdant jungle of hardwood trees, lilies and birds. Upstream, the river widens to flow through the broad hardwood swamp known as the Seventeen…

 The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve (LHWP) contains one of the largest premier contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County. Within the LHWP are park sites managed by the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department: Dead River Park, Flatwoods Park,…

John Mitten of Brooksville is the franchise owner of Chick-fil-A in Spring Hill.Mitten was appointed to the Governing Board in October 2020 and reappointed in August 2024. His term expires March 1, 2028.Mitten earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University.Mitten has been a franchise owner of Chick-fil-A in Hernando County for more than 17 years. He was also appointed by former Governor Rick Scott to serve on the Hernando County Commission. He was…

 Have you ever seen a bald eagle in flight or watched a group of river otters playing in the water? These are just a few of the creatures you may see walking along one of the trails at Oscar Scherer State Park, which offers 1,400 acres for visitors to explore and experience the real Florida.The area includes two special plant upland communities of pine…

 This project improved water quality in the Weeki Wachee River.Project OverviewThe Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hernando County made enhancements to stormwater management at Rogers Park. The park is owned by the County and located on the Weeki Wachee River. These improvements benefit the river by reducing the amount of sediments and nutrients entering the river. Project DetailsThis project uses Low Impact Development (LID) techniques to…

This project restored shoreline habitat to improve water quality in Kings Bay. Project Overview The District restored the shoreline around Hunter Springs Park. The City of Crystal River has integrated this District project into the redesign of the park.  The restored shoreline will benefit the Crystal River/Kings Bay spring system by creating habitat and improving water quality through reducing erosion and nutrients entering Kings Bay. Background…

Homosassa Springs has been a tourist attraction since the early 1900s and is now located within a state park that features a fishbowl observatory and manatee rehabilitation. About the SpringsThe Homosassa River is a first-magnitude spring system originating in western Citrus County. Homosassa Springs is at the headwaters of this short, slow moving tidal river, which flows 8 miles from the headsprings to where it meets the Gulf of America.Many springs make up the…

Weeki Wachee Springs has an extensive underwater cave system and is known for its world-famous mermaids. About the SpringsThe Weeki Wachee River is a first-magnitude spring system originating in Hernando County. The headspring is home to …

The purpose of the Green Industry Advisory Committee (GIAC) is to provide professional and technical input into District programs and activities.This includes regulatory programs, rule revisions, water conservation activities, water resource planning, water resource and supply development projects, research and other water resource management projects that relate to the Green Industry.Subject matter considered by the GIAC shall relate to the statutory duties and…

Best known for its seven-mile paved loop road, which serves as a multiuse trail, Flatwoods Park provides a welcome getaway from Tampa's developed landscape. The Morris Bridge well field is located within the park, and well houses can be observed along the trail. A two-mile paved extension connects Bruce B. Downs Boulevard with the loop road. Flatwoods Park Trail is a paved 1-mile connection between Morris Bridge Road and the loop road.

John Hall, of Auburndale, is a cattle rancher and the owner of Polk Community Association Management.Hall was appointed to the Governing Board in May 2021 and reappointed in August 2025.  His term ends March 1, 2029.  He was previously elected as a Polk County Commissioner. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University.Hall represents Polk County.Committee AssignmentFinance/Outreach and Planning…

There are more than 200 documented springs throughout the District. However, most individual springs cluster around 16 groups of springs, five of which are classified as first-magnitude groups based on the amount of water they discharge. While recognizing the need to manage all springs, the District places a priority on the five first-magnitude spring groups: Rainbow, Crystal River/Kings Bay, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, and Weeki Wachee. These spring groups, located in…

 The Withlapopka Community Park is approximately 50 acres located within the Flying Eagle Preserve. The preserve is a mosaic of small lakes, marshes and swamps with numerous scattered islands of forested uplands. The park site was used by Citrus County as a disposal site for spoil dredged from the county’s canals.The park is a result of a group of individuals approaching the District with a unique opportunity to work…

Bayport Park was originally developed in the 1950s with boat launch facilities and a fishing pier. The 1.5-acre historic park site, located at the tip of an upland peninsula, is owned by Hernando County. The western portion of the park borders a tract of land that was purchased by the District in 1999. As part of a cooperative effort, the park has been expanded to include 10 acres of District-owned land. The entire park has undergone a renovation that includes a 144-…

Sawgrass Lake Park was designed for people interested in observing and learning about nature. The Sawgrass Lake project began in 1972 to provide flood protection to the city of Pinellas Park. A water-control structure was built to facilitate drainage canal improvements and to maintain desirable water level fluctuations in Sawgrass Lake and the surrounding swamp. The District retains responsibility for operating the water-control structure. The lake and swamp system also…

As the weather gets cooler, now is the time for Floridians to get outside and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Each issue of WaterMatters features a different District property ready for you to explore. These public lands are close to home and are free or very inexpensive to use. This issue features the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve (Preserve) in Hillsborough County. The 16,000-acre Preserve…

  After mining phosphate in the 1960s, the American Cyanamid Company donated the majority of this property to the District in 1969. In 1970, a dike and a control structure were built to create the 700-acre reservoir, with the primary purpose being the reclamation of the mine site. Today, the reservoir offers recreational opportunities and limited flood protection benefits, mainly during smaller storm events. In 1972, under agreement with the District, Hillsborough…

Rainbow Springs is known for its outstanding water clarity and is popular for swimming and paddling. About the SpringsThe Rainbow River is a first-magnitude spring system originating in Marion County. Rainbow Springs is the headwaters of this short, freshwater river flowing nearly 6 miles from the headsprings to where it meets the Withlacoochee River. …

 Situated at the confluence of Dead River and the Hillsborough River, this park is a pleasant place to unwind. Nature lovers appreciate a scenic two-mile trail alongside the Hillsborough River.