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Powerful Storms Test the Resolve of the Southwest District »
Dazed But Not Defeated   West-central Florida was rocked against the ropes by a one-two punch combination — Hurricanes Charley and Frances. Charley was a quick, compact, uppercut with winds in excess of 145 mph ramming into the underbelly of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and ripping through the rural Peace River Basin. Then, still reeling from Charley, the area was slammed by Frances, a large, infuriatingly slow but devastating roundhouse…
Additional Resources »
Southwest Florida Water Management DistrictFlorida Department of Environmental Protection
Hillsborough County Projects Receive Community Education Grants »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is proud to announce the recipients of the 2006 Community Education Grant Program. The grants, which are up to $5,000 each, will help fund projects that provide communities the opportunity to learn about water resources.This year the District awarded 34 grants Districtwide for a total of $151,278. Of 34 grants awarded, 11 were given to groups in Hillsborough County.The overall goal of the Community Education Grant Program is…
Section C, Population Projections — Utility and Parcel Layers »
Each year the District generates population projections for the 16 counties wholly or partially under its jurisdiction.InstructionsSection C-1GIS model population projections by county, utility and public supply service area Section C-2GIS model parcel-level population projectionsThese parcel-level projections, combined with any GIS boundary, can be used to develop population projections for any given area. (All files .zip).•…
Section A, Maps - Public Supply Service Areas »
The quality of population estimates and projections depends on the accuracy of the map of a particular service area. Therefore, it is important to review your public supply service area map using either ArcGIS or the Map Viewer links below. Map Viewer is a web-based application that allows you to view maps without having GIS software.It is important that the map we have on file for your service area is accurate. The population data and ratios provided in…
Section B, Data and Methods — Estimating Service Area Population Served »
The resources available through this page will assist you in the estimation of service area population for the Public Supply Annual Report.InstructionsThe data for the estimation of service area populations are developed in accordance with the requirements of Part D of the Water Use Permit Information Manual and are based on your public supply service area…
Additional Resources for Hoteliers »
Florida Green Lodging Program »A voluntary initiative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), this program designates lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources.…
Sandhill Cranes »
Florida sandhill cranes are long-legged, long-necked, gray, heron-like birds with a patch of bald, red skin on top of their heads. Sandhill cranes fly with their necks outstretched with powerful, rhythmic wing beats. Florida's sandhill cranes are a state-designated Threatened species that are found in inland shallow freshwater marshes, prairies, pastures and farmlands. Sometimes they can be seen on lawns throughout Florida. They are sensitive birds that do not adjust well…
Welcome to the Green Swamp Watershed Excursion »
The beat of central Florida’s hydrologic heart lies between Tampa and Orlando in 560,000 acres of Florida backcountry called the Green Swamp. The Green Swamp includes portions of Polk, Lake, Sumter, Hernando and Pasco counties. Within these acres is a complex, integrated and delicate natural system composed of cypress swamps, hardwood forests, marshes, pine flatwoods and sandhills. Emerging from this precious oasis are the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, Ocklawaha and…
Utility Demographics »
Each year, public supply utilities must estimate the populations within their service area.Utilities also use population projections in the calculation of future water demand for planning and permitting purposes. View the following demographic resources that the District makes available to utilities:Section A to review your utility’s service area map…
The World’s Deadliest Lightning »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District includes Florida’s notorious “Lightning Belt.” It is famous because of the number of thunderstorms and lightning strikes that occur here. They don’t call the hockey team the “Tampa Bay Lightning” for nothing. Florida’s lightning strikes are thought to be especially powerful, thanks to the huge, highly charged clouds that form here. How powerful are they? Hot bolts have temperatures above 14,000°C. If they hit a tree, it…
Why Does the District Buy Lands? »
Every year about 2.5 million people visit public conservation lands obtained by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and its partners to protect Florida’s water resources.Balancing water needs.Protecting the environment. The District was created in 1961 by the Florida Legislature to protect the water resources of the region. The District includes roughly 10,000 square miles in all or part of 16 counties in west-central Florida that were home to a population…
Chris Tumminia, General Counsel »
As the District’s General Counsel, Chris Tumminia provides advice and counsel to the District’s Governing Board, executive director and District staff regarding matters of law and policy. His primary areas of practice have included civil and administrative litigation, water use permitting, minimum flows and levels, and water supply planning. Tumminia also has represented the District in numerous proceedings before the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings,…
District Focuses on Governor’s Green Initiative »
When Governor Charlie Crist announced his Green Initiative this summer during the climate change summit in Miami, the District’s managers heard him loud and clear. “The District is already a leader in water conservation,” said David Moore, District executive director. “Incorporating energy-efficient practices into the District’s day-to-day operations makes sense and fits into our focus on sustainable growth and environmental responsibility.” The District’s goal is…
New Chair Focuses on Communication to Meet Water Resource Challenges »
Governing Board Chair H. Paul Senft Jr. After graduating from Emory University in Atlanta, H. Paul Senft Jr. entered the U.S. Air Force Reserve, where his education was put to good use. “The Air Force taught me to be a plumber,” said the new District Governing Board chair. “You could say they started me in the water business.” Paul smiled. Quiet and unassuming in appearance, Paul combines a wry sense of humor with a competitive drive to excel, a…
The Floridan Aquifer System »
The majority of the freshwater supply in west-central Florida comes from groundwater, most commonly the Floridan aquifer system. The Floridan aquifer system contains the largest aquifers within the state and stretches 100,000 square miles beneath Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. The Floridan aquifer system has been divided into the Upper Floridan aquifer and Lower Floridan aquifers. Between the aquifers are…
Governing Board »
Board members are unpaid citizen volunteers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate.A 13-member Governing Board establishes policies for the entire 16-county District. The Governing Board represents a wide cross section of interests, including agricultural, recreational, business, industrial, urban, rural and the public. Board members are unpaid citizen volunteers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. They serve four-year terms…
Cara Martin »
Government & Community Affairs Office Chief As office chief of Government and Community Affairs, Cara Martin oversees the District’s government affairs and growth management/planning responsibilities of the District. Martin and her staff are the main liaisons between the District and local, state and federal government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. The Government and Community Affairs staff review all statutorily required government and…
Frank Gargano, Ombudsman »
Frank Gargano was appointed ombudsman of the Southwest Florida Water Management District in November 2023. Gargano responds to public inquiries about District policies and practices. He provides information, answers questions and facilitates dispute resolution when issues arise between the public and staff. Gargano has more than 25 years of experience. Gargano earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy from the University of South Florida. Gargano…