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Sawgrass Lake Restoration Project Begins »
Top: This nearby stormwater treatment system is an example of how the Sawgrass Lake Restoration Project will appear upon completion. Above left: Matt Preston (left), District Surface Water Improvement and Management Program engineer, discusses the Sawgrass Lake Restoration Project with a member of the public. Above center: Sawgrass Lake Park is a natural habitat for a variety of animals, including alligators. Above right: The Sawgrass Lake Park boardwalk offers guests a…
Series of events aim to raise Hillsborough River watershed awareness »
In October, the Southwest Florida Water Management District will celebrate the Hillsborough River and the Hillsborough River watershed with a series of events along the river.The District’s Hillsborough River Basin Board has declared the week of Oct. 20 through 27 as “Hillsborough River Watershed Awareness Week.” The participating city and county governments plan to recognize the week, which was modeled after a similar event in April that focused on the Peace River…
Central Florida Water Initiative Hosts Open House »
The public is invited to an open house Thursday, June 28 for a plan to address the current and long-term water supply needs in the central Florida region.A regional water supply plan is being developed by the Central Florida Water Initiative, a collaboration of agencies to address water issues in southern Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Seminole counties. The "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.watermatters.org is part of the initiative, which is focused…
District Releasing Additional Water from Medard Reservoir to Protect the Reservoir’s Structural Integrity »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is releasing additional water from the Medard Reservoir into the Alafia River to protect the structural integrity of the reservoir.In preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Milton, the District was releasing water and the Medard Reservoir was below normal operating level. However, the Medard Reservoir received nearly 7 inches of rainfall and the reservoir rose 6.5 feet as a result of Hurricane Milton. …
Governor Appoints Henslick and Rice to the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board »
Governor Rick Scott appointed John Henslick and Kelly Rice to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board. Henslick represents Manatee County and Rice represents Citrus, Lake, Levy and Sumter counties. Henslick, 64, of Myakka City, is the owner of Henslick & Associates. Henslick received his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University and his master’s degree from the University of Florida. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term…
Governor Appoints Henslick and Rice to the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board »
Governor Rick Scott appointed John Henslick and Kelly Rice to the "Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/governingboard/. Henslick represents Manatee County and Rice represents Citrus, Lake, Levy and Sumter Counties. Henslick, 64, of Myakka City, is the owner of Henslick & Associates. Henslick received his bachelor's degree from Jacksonville University and his master's degree from the University of Florida. He…
CFWI focuses on collaboration with utilities to extend water supply »
Built on the concept of collaboration, the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) works with the area's 83 utilities to scale water conservation efforts and promote alternative water supplies for a growing population. "The CFWI is focused on regional, multijurisdictional solutions that serve more than one utility, and by extension more residents, businesses, the agricultural community and other water users in the region," said St. Johns River Water Management District…
District teams up with builders and developers to launch Florida Water Star Gold »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is going for the “gold” when it launches its Florida Water Star Gold (FWSG) certification program March 25. The premier event will be at 10 a.m. at Glencairn Cottages, a new development in downtown Dunedin.FWSG is a voluntary certification program for builders. It encourages water efficiency in household appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes, as well as water quality benefits from best…
Governing Board Elects Officers for 2024-2025 Term »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Tuesday to elect officers for the 2024-2025 term. Michelle Williamson was elected chair of the Governing Board. Williamson represents Hillsborough County and is the operations manager of G&F Farms. Williamson was appointed to the Governing Board in August 2016 and reappointed in December 2020. John Mitten was elected vice chair of the Governing Board. Mitten represents Hernando and Marion…
District Awards Grants to Schools in Polk County for Water Resources Education Projects »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) awarded $97,640.28 in grants to 43 educators within the District as part of the Splash! school grant program. The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12. Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities as well as engagement of the greater school community…
New and Reappointed Governing and Basin Board Members Named »
One Governing Board member returned for another term and two new members joined the District’s Governing Board in March after being appointed by Governor Jeb Bush. The newly appointed members are Sallie Parks and Maritza Rovira-Forino. Todd Pressman was reappointed. Pressman, of Palm Harbor, has served on the Governing Board since April 2005. Pressman says he is looking forward to serving a full term on the Board after getting his “feet wet” completing Ronnie…
District Awards Grants to Schools in Manatee and Sarasota Counties for Water Resources Education »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) awarded $108,304 in grants to 51 educators within the District as part of the Splash! school grant program. The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12.Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities as well as engagement of the greater school community through awareness…
UPDATE: District Releasing Additional Water from Medard Reservoir to Protect the Reservoir’s Structural Integrity »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is releasing additional water from the Medard Reservoir into the Alafia River to protect the structural integrity of the reservoir.In preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Milton, the District released water and the Medard Reservoir was below normal operating level. However, the Medard Reservoir received nearly 7 inches of rainfall in the watershed and the reservoir rose 6.5 feet as a result of Hurricane…
District Declares Phase I Water Shortage Order in Portions of Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties »
In Marion County, order is limited to the city of Dunellon and the area encompassed by The Villages. The Southwest Florida Water Management District's (District) Governing Board voted today to declare a Phase I Water Shortage effective March 10 for portions of Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. Due to an Interagency Agreement with the St. Johns River Water Management District, this order in Marion County would be limited to the city of Dunellon and the…
Stormwater Ponds »
Your Questions AnsweredOctober 2021Record amounts of rainfall in some areas over the summer has highlighted the importance of stormwater ponds to help prevent flooding and improve water quality throughout the region. You may have seen stormwater ponds throughout neighborhoods and commercial developments in Florida but might not know about their purpose as many people often mistake stormwater ponds for natural water bodies. Southwest Florida Water Management…
Starkey Environmental Ed Center Opens »
From left: Frederick J. Buckman, Pasco County Parks and Recreation director; Jay B. Starkey, Jr.; Allen Altman, Pasco County School Board chair; Todd Pressman, District Governing Board member; and Lou Kavouras, deputy executive director for District Outreach, Planning, Board Services & Ombudsman, mark the opening of the Starkey Environmental Education Center exhibits with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Representatives from the Pasco County School Board, Pasco…
District Awards Grants to Schools in Hillsborough County for Water Resources Education Projects »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) awarded $107,969 in grants to 58 educators within the District as part of the Splash! school grant program. The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12. Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities as well as engagement of the greater school community through…
District Awards Grants to Schools in Pasco and Pinellas Counties for Water Resources Education Projects »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) awarded $107,969 in grants to 58 educators within the District as part of the Splash! school grant program. The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12. Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities as well as engagement of the greater school community through…
Governing Board Elects Officers for 2022-2023 Term »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Tuesday to elect officers for the 2022-2023 term. Joel Schleicher was elected chair of the Governing Board. Schleicher represents Charlotte and Sarasota counties and has used his vast knowledge as a successful entrepreneur to challenge the status quo while giving back to the community via various organizations. Schleicher was appointed to the Governing Board in May 2017 and reappointed in July…
Springs Festival allows people to learn about and explore Florida's freshwater springs »
Visitors can experience Florida’s freshwater springs through a variety of outdoor activities, musical entertainment and guest speakers during the 8th Annual Marion County Springs Festival, Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Silver River State Park.Experts will speak about Florida’s springs and springs protection, as well as Marion County’s irrigation and fertilizer ordinances and Florida-friendly landscaping.In addition to the guest speakers,…