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Program OverviewThe Cooperative Funding Initiative (CFI) program supports partnerships between the District and local governments or private entities by cooperatively funding eligible projects that support the District’s strategic initiatives. This shared funding approach allows communities and the District to achieve more together than either could accomplish alone. Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the CFI program will focus on funding projects that benefit first…

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District ":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ (District) land managers plan to hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the wild hog population. Wild hogs, which are not native to Florida, feed on roots, tubors and grubs by rooting with their broad snouts and can leave an area looking like a plowed field. They also prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to…

A new way to learn about Sarasota County’s watersheds will be unveiled during this year’s Watershed Awareness Week, Oct. 12-18.The Science and Environment Council of Sarasota County (SEC) has developed a Watershed Mobile Phone Audio Tour that can easily be accessed from any cell phone by calling 941-926-6813. The tour features 15 different watershed education messages, which coincide with locations people can visit.The Southwest Florida Water Management District…

District actions regarding issuance or denial of a permit, petition or qualification for exemption, only become closed to future legal challenges if third parties have been properly notified and no third party objects within a specific period.Noticing of Agency ActionNotification of third parties is provided through publication of certain information in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties where the proposed activities are to occur. Publication of…

District land managers plan to hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the wild hog population.  Wild hogs, which are not native to Florida, feed on roots, tubors and grubs by rooting with their broad snouts and can leave an area looking like a plowed field. They also prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the…

District land managers plan to hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the wild hog population. Wild hogs, which are not native to Florida, feed on roots, tubors and grubs by rooting with their broad snouts and can leave an area looking like a plowed field. They also prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the spread…

District land managers plan to hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the wild hog population.  Wild hogs, which are not native to Florida, feed on roots, tubors and grubs by rooting with their broad snouts and can leave an area looking like a plowed field. They also prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the…

Twelve families recently had the opportunity to step out of their daily routine and go on a camping adventure to the District’s Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve’s West Tract in Pasco County. The District cooperated with Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World of Orlando and the American Disability Adventures group to provide this free camping trip. The goal was to provide children who may not have had the opportunity to experience the outdoors and camping, due to expense or lack…

To conserve water means to use it wisely and to not be wasteful. Conserving water is a very important part of making sure there is enough water to meet the needs of humans and the environment. And even though we might have enough fresh water available to meet our needs today, we also need to plan for the future. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District), along with other local governments and organizations, are responsible for managing…

The District will hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the wild hog population. Registration for Phase 2 Hog Hunts starts 9 a.m. Monday.  Wild hogs, which are not native to Florida, feed on roots, tubors and grubs by rooting with their broad snouts and can leave an area looking like a plowed field. They also prey on native wildlife, compete with native…

This summer a group of international visitors spent time learning about the District and sharing ideas with District staff. Ed Hobin, outreach projects coordinator for the District and a Rotarian, hosted a group of New Zealanders. Henry Davies, a member of the Wellington North Rotary Club, led the group. Davies is a banker specializing in online services. Accompanying Davies on the tour were a clinical psychologist, a police officer and two hospitality and tourism…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District manages controlled burns on its lands, which are carefully planned burns used to manage forests. These controlled fires reduce wildfire risks by reducing excess vegetation, improving wildlife habitats and promoting new plant growth. The District ensures safety and efficiency in these operations, balancing ecological benefits with public safety. Fire in FloridaFire is one of the dominant forces that shape…

District Lands Offer New Features New trail maps and other information have been added to the kiosks on District properties to enrich the experience for guests. The new trail maps were created for 16 of the District’s most popular properties using detailed information including global positioning coordinates. The maps are part of an ongoing effort to update information at District properties. In recent years, land use specialists marked District trails using an…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is unveiling a new online tool to help students and teachers determine how much water they can conserve at home and pledge to make a difference.The District’s Youth Education Section launched the new web-based water conservation challenge for schools in anticipation of water conservation month, which begins in April. Each year the state, water management districts, and local governments recognize April as water…

Danger Down BelowRemember that an aquifer is an underground layer of spongelike rock that holds water. Since the water lies hidden underground, most people can only imagine what an aquifer looks like. Here in Florida, highly-trained experts can visit an aquifer!Of course, it’s not that simple. Cave diving requires expensive equipment, plenty of knowledge and special skills. Even then it is very dangerous.Windows into the Aquifer Want a…

Left: Addison Bennett, granddaughter of District Executive Director Dave Moore, tries to stay dry at the Hampton Tract. Top right: Karen Fraley, Around the Bend Nature Tours, shows Brady Whalen from Boy Scout Troop 311 how to use a pump drill to start a fire. Above right: Emma Mason, Around the Bend Nature Tours, takes a visitor on a guided hike. More than 130 people braved the rain Feb. 27 at the District’s “Get Outside!” event at the …

Certifying excellence in water conservation, saving resources and protecting the environmentThe Florida Water Starsm program is a voluntary certification program for new residential and commercial construction and existing home renovation. The program encourages water efficiency in appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes, as well as water quality benefits from best management practices in landscapes. An average Florida Water Star homeowner…

The District adopted new minimum levels for Lake Angelo and Lake Denton, located in northern Highlands County in 2026.MFL OverviewThe District is directed by the Florida Legislature to establish minimum flows and levels (MFL) for water bodies within its boundaries. Minimum levels are defined in…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, July 28 at 9 a.m. at the Tampa Service Office, located at 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North. 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…