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Bell Barnett, of Winter Haven, is a former educator and community advocate.Bell Barnett was appointed to the Governing Board in December 2020 and was reappointed in August 2023 to a four-year term ending March 1, 2027. A fifth-generation Floridian, Bell Barnett earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, and her Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida.Bell Barnett serves in a variety of capacities at…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday approved a revised agreement with the St. Johns River Water Management District to provide uniform lawn and landscape irrigation measures throughout unincorporated Marion County and the City of Ocala during both temporary drought and normal year-round conditions.Marion County and Ocala are divided between the two water management districts, with the boundary roughly being the path of Interstate…
Seventeen Manatee County teachers were awarded Splash! school grants through the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/.Mary Margaret Hull, District lead communications coordinator, attributes the effectiveness of the grant program in Manatee County to the strong partnership with Manatee County Schools. Judy Griffin, curriculum specialist for Manatee County Schools, serves as the District's liaison to teachers and helped…
Left: Brandt Henningsen, senior environmental scientist, receives the Excellence in Restoration Award. Right: Rendering of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.
Brandt Henningsen, senior environmental scientist, has worked at the District for almost two decades restoring Tampa Bay habitat. Now the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recognized him for his dedication.
NOAA’s Restoration Center recently presented Henningsen with the…
Two Tampa area home builders were honored for their use of water-wise landscaping.John Cannon Homes was presented with the Water-Wise Landscape Recognition Award Thursday at the annual Tampa Bay Home Builders Association Spring Parade of Homes banquet. Homes by John C Fowke received the Honorable Mention award.The winning design can be seen at John Cannon Homes Bondi model, 3129 Christophers Watch Lane in the Little Harbor Community in Ruskin. The design, landscaping and…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will hold a virtual public meeting Friday, April 3 at 5:30 p.m. to share information about the Cape Haze Ecosystem Restoration Project in Charlotte County. This project is one of the largest coastal restoration projects the District has undertaken in the region.Members of the public can join the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To…
October 2023Q: What kind of recreation opportunities does the District offer?A: There are thousands of acres of recreational lands throughout the District and access to most of them is free to visitors. If you are into biking, birding, boating, camping, canoeing and paddling, equestrian activities, fishing, hiking or hunting, there’s something for everyone on the nearly 70 properties. Several District properties offer picnic facilities, and…
Learn how you can help Protect the Chassahowitzka River » Purchased in the early 1990s, this property is part of a large greenway of public lands that protects the Chassahowitzka Swamp ecosystem and wildlife resources. The Chassahowitzka River's headwaters, several tributaries and springs are within this tract and are known locally for their great sportfishing and…
District staff often will say their co-workers feel like family. But for some employees, it really is true. Here’s a few stories of family connections at the District:
Tradesworker Tyler Ledington was excited to join the District eight months ago. Growing up, he saw how the District provided for his mom, senior administrative assistant Susie Holton. Susie, a 35-year veteran of the District, took Tyler to many “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” events.
The…
CFWI Focuses on Saving Water Outdoors Outdoor Irrigation Accounts for up to 50% of Residential Use »
Ensuring that central Florida has the water it needs is at the core of the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI). Three water management districts -- the St. Johns River, South Florida and Southwest Florida – are finding new sources and new ways, through the CFWI, to maintain and build the area's water supply, while protecting the area's natural resources. Practicing water conservation at home is also critical to helping ensure adequate water supply in the community…
The Flatford Swamp tract encompasses nearly all of the Flatford Swamp wetland ecosystem and is the primary surface water feature in the Upper Myakka River watershed. These wetlands are a part of the headwaters of the Myakka River and have a major influence on the water flow and quality of the river, Upper Myakka Lake and the waters within Myakka River State Park. The upper…
CFWI Focuses on Saving Water Outdoors Outdoor Irrigation Accounts for up to 50% of Residential Use »
Ensuring that central Florida has the water it needs is at the core of the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI). Three water management districts -- the St. Johns River, South Florida and Southwest Florida – are finding new sources and new ways, through the CFWI, to maintain and build the area's water supply, while protecting the area's natural resources. Practicing water conservation at home is also critical to helping ensure adequate water supply in the community…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District honored four outstanding Polk County water resources education projects. A total of 26 projects were recognized Wednesday during the “Partners in Watershed Education Conference” at the Crowne Plaza Tampa East Hotel.
- Johnna Martinez was recognized for her work with the Lakes Education/Action Drive program, which informed Polk County residents about water resource and water quality issues, as well as lake…
District's first northern Water Conservation Summit kicks off regional dialogue on water resources »
More than 160 people representing local governments, utilities and various industries came together Friday, March 23, at the Hilton Ocala Hotel for the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s first northern Water Conservation Summit.Held in partnership with the Suwannee River and St. Johns River water management districts, the summit served as an exchange of ideas on how local governments and utilities in the District’s northern region can plan for future…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday approved an agreement between the District and the St. Johns River Water Management District that will provide uniform lawn and landscape irrigation measures throughout unincorporated Marion County. The measures address both drought and normal conditions.Marion County is divided between the two water management districts, with the boundary roughly being Interstate 75. The two agencies currently…
John Finnerty, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco, left; Ron Oakley, former District Governing Board chair, center; and Susan Douglas, District Florida Water StarSM (FWS) program coordinator, recently attended the groundbreaking of two Florida Water StarSM homes in Lacoochee. Habitat volunteers built the Lacoochee houses during National Women Build Week in May. These are the first two Habitat homes in Pasco County to be…
What is the Weeki Wachee Carrying Capacity Study?
The Weeki Wachee Carrying Capacity Study is an ecologically-based study of the Weeki Wachee River in Hernando County. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of recreational use on the natural systems of the river, as its growing popularity and increased visitor traffic have led to concerns about potential degradation of the river and its ecosystems.
Who conducted the study?
Third-party consultant Wood…