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The renovation of the data center at the Tampa Service Office has led to an unexpected windfall for Hillsborough County students. “After 17 years in the data center, we had a lot of office supplies that we didn’t need anymore,” said Ed Jordan, computer operations manager. Most of the supplies consisted of three-ring binders that held dated reference materials or materials that are now stored digitally. Other supplies included pens, staples that did not match any…

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is inviting greenhouse, nursery, foliage, strawberry and vegetable growers to attend a free tour and workshop promoting the use of recycled and reclaimed water in the horticulture industry.The workshop is April 29 from noon – 4 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 County Road 672, Wimauma. This regional workshop will feature presentations from industry and…

Above: New observation tower at the preserve. Below: The view from the tower. Outdoor enthusiasts have a new preserve to visit in Levy County. The Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is 413 acres of publicly owned land managed by Yankeetown. Preserve visitors can enjoy a boardwalk, hiking trails and an education building. There is also an area to launch kayaks located on a half-mile portage trail. Boaters should be…

About 20 Eckerd College students recently got an up-close look at one of the structures that helps protect the Tampa area from flooding. The students toured Structure 161 on the Harney Canal. They also met with several District staff about water management issues. The visit was part of the Eckerd course “Value of Florida Water.”  “The four-week course explores all issues pertaining to water,” said Megan Cook, course instructor. “This is a great opportunity for…

What are minimum flows and minimum water levels (MFLs)?In short, an MFL sets a limit on how much water can be withdrawn from various water resources to prevent significant harm occurring to those resources or the ecology of the area.What does “significant harm” mean?The Florida legislature did not define the term ‘significant harm.’ However, the District has developed criteria for significant harm to various types of water resources. The…

Your Questions Answered  May 2021 Florida’s population is growing with an average of 1,000 people moving to the state every day. If you’re new to Florida, you may not be familiar with the state’s water resources or how to do your part when it comes to water conservation. Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Lead Communications Coordinator Robin Grantham shares water-related tips for life in the Sunshine State. Q: How…

Environmental enthusiasts of all ages are invited to come out and enjoy a free community fair being held at the Hillsborough River State Park, May 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.The 9th Annual “A River Runs Through It” community fair features watershed education workshops, watershed educational bingo, children’s activities and educational displays. Visitors can also canoe, fish or take a nature hike.The workshops include the award-winning Frog Listening Network,…

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/, the "US Fish and Wildlife Service(U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)":http://www.fws.gov/, and the "Friends of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge(Friends of Chassahowitzka)":http://friendsofchazz.org/ are holding a second public open house at the newly acquired Three Sisters Springs property on Dec. 11, 2010, from 8 a.m. to noon.More than 580 people attended the first open…

Charlotte CountyRestriction InfoReport ViolationsCharlotte County(941) 764-4300(941) 764-4309Punta Gorda(941) 575-3339(941) 639-4111Citrus CountyRestriction InfoReport…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Tuesday approved a water use permit to increase Charlotte County’s water supply from the Burnt Store Wellfield to an average of 3.1 million gallons per day (gpd) of brackish ground water to meet its needs.The county was previously permitted 914,000 gpd. The increase in quantities is due to an increase in the projected population through 2012.This water use permit will allow construction of three new wells…

Who: Southwest Florida Water Management District staff, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)/Wheelin’ Sportsmen representatives, disabled anglers, boy scoutsWhat: The District and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department have partnered with the NWTF/Wheelin’ Sportsmen to organize this fishing derby, which allows disabled men, women and young adults to experience the outdoors.When:…

Check for Leaks Dripping showerheads can waste from 70 up to several hundred gallons of water a week, depending on the size of the drip. If the showerhead is leaking, make sure it is screwed tightly. Also, remember to check the washer for wear. If you need a new washer, you can get one at your local hardware store or from your plumber. Fix Leaks To fix a leaky showerhead, you need an adjustable wrench or pliers and joint sealer or tape. Follow these steps:…

Conservation LandsThe region’s lands and waters are forever linked by Florida’s natural water cycles. Undeveloped land allows for water recharge to the aquifer and water storage during major storm events. Lands surrounding lakes, rivers, wetlands and estuaries also serve as natural buffers to filter out pollution before it reaches the nearest water body. The Southwest Florida Water Management District and other agencies and governments purchase conservation lands to preserve…

Check for leaks Water losses caused by dripping faucets can range from several gallons to hundreds of gallons of water per day. Check faucets regularly for leaks at the faucet head and seepage at the base and its connections. Fix leaks Whether a two-handled or a single-handled faucet, leaks are repaired by replacing washers and by tightening or repacking the faucet stem. Do-it-yourselfers can find a variety of repair kits in local home improvement and hardware…

Sixty-six school teachers across the District’s 16-county region will teach issues surrounding our freshwater resources with the help of Splash! school grants from the District. The goal of the Splash! school grant program is to provide teachers with funding to enhance student knowledge of topics that meet the District’s core mission and teach students about their local watersheds, water conservation, quality and supply. Splash! school grants provide up to $3,000 per…

With more than 70 springs, Crystal River/Kings Bay is the largest natural winter refuge for manatees on the Florida Gulf Coast. About the SpringsCrystal River/Kings Bay is a first-magnitude spring system that originates in Citrus County. Kings Bay is a 600-acre bay at the headwaters of the Crystal River, which is a…

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/, the "US Fish and Wildlife Service(U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)":http://www.fws.gov/, and the "Friends of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge(Friends of Chassahowitzka)":http://friendsofchazz.org/ are holding a third public open house at the newly acquired Three Sisters Springs property on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon."Our refuge biologist, Joyce Kleen, counted…

Due to the deteriorating weather conditions of Tropical Storm Hermine, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is cancelling tonight's public meeting soliciting stakeholder input on the annual update of the Priority List and Schedule for the Establishment of Minimum Flows and Levels. The District will re-schedule the meeting as soon as possible.