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Peace River Challenges and RestorationNatural factors, such as the geology of the region and rainfall, contribute to the amount of water recharging the Upper Floridan aquifer and surface water bodies in the area as do human influences, such as groundwater use. There have also been substantial changes to the Peace River watershed over the past 150-200 years, including the clearing, draining and re-contouring of lands for phosphate mining, agriculture and urban…
Highlights
- Homosassa Springs is the headwaters of the Homosassa River and is known as the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park
- The park serves as a rehabilitation center and refuge for orphaned or injured manatees.
- Located in Citrus County
- 270-square-mile springshed
James Holton of St. Petersburg is the president and owner of JWH Properties, Inc., MHH Enterprises, Inc. and James W. Holton, P.A.Holton was appointed to the Governing Board in February 2023, and his term expires March 1, 2026.Holton is Of Counsel at Hall Booth Smith, PC in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is the President and Owner of Holton Companies, which develops and invests in real estate projects throughout the state of Florida. He is also an attorney and fundraiser for…
This project improved water quality in the Weeki Wachee River.Project OverviewThe Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hernando County made enhancements to stormwater management at Rogers Park. The park is owned by the County and located on the Weeki Wachee River. These improvements benefit the river by reducing the amount of sediments and nutrients entering the river. Project DetailsThis project uses Low Impact Development (LID) techniques to…
A Water Use Permit (WUP) allows withdrawal of a specified amount of water, either from the ground or from a lake or river.A Water Use Permit (WUP) authorizes the consumptive use of particular quantities of ground or surface water. The Florida Statutes (Chapters 120 and …
Manatees »
Springs are the most important wintering site for threatened manatees on Florida’s West Coast, as they provide thermal refuge when the Gulf of America’s temperature drops below 68 degrees. The springs in Kings Bay remain at a constant 72 degrees year-round. At colder temperatures, manatees may suffer from cold stress or hypothermia as they do not have a thick layer of blubber for protection. If cold weather persists, manatees may not leave the warmth of the springs for days…
Michelle Williamson of Dover is operations manager of G&F Farms.Williamson was appointed to the Governing Board in August 2016 and reappointed in December 2020 and August 2024. Her term expires March 1, 2028.As operations manager of G&F Farms in Dover, Williamson oversees the Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance programs and manages the Human Resources Department.Williamson has served as a board member for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Florida…
In recent years the number of people living in the Alafia River watershed has increased dramatically. An increase in population causes a greater demand on water resources and a reduction in the amount of wildlife habitat. Efforts have been made to meet the increased demands for water and to restore and protect natural ecosystems within the watershed.
Reservoir
The C.W. “Bill” Young Regional Reservoir is located in the Alafia River watershed. It can store 15 billion…
As you venture into the Springs Coast Watershed, you will notice the numerous plants and animals that have made this watershed their home, and the many parks and wildlife refuges that have been established to protect these unique areas. The Springs Coast is home to the second largest seagrass area in the continental United States. Some of these areas provide critical habitat for manatees during the winter months. But something is missing! If you are looking for the…
The District’s Regional Water Supply Plan assesses the projected water demands and potential sources of water to meet demands over a 20-year period. The Plan is updated every five years, in accordance with Section 373.709, Florida Statutes.What’s the RWSP? The 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) is an assessment of projected water demands and potential sources of water to meet these demands in the Southwest Florida Water Management District (…
Dustin Rowland of Dade City is President and Owner of Rowland Truck Lines, Inc., Rowland Cattle Company, LLC, and Dustin Rowland, LLC.Rowland was appointed to the Governing Board in February 2023, and his term expires March 1, 2027.Born in Lakeland, FL, Rowland graduated from Zephyrhills High School in 1994.Rowland represents several business interests in a vast array of industries such as transportation and logistics, commercial real estate, farming, ranching, residential…
As bureau chief for the Regulatory Support Bureau, Buddy Wood is responsible for overseeing the Regulatory Business Development, Field Services and Regulatory Support Services sections within the Regulation Division and plays a key role in the District’s regulatory strategy, execution of tactical plans, permitting, compliance and leadership functions.Wood joined the District in 2003 as a student intern and worked progressively through engineering positions in the…
Several area projects will benefit from $112 million in grants recently awarded by the state. Gov. Ron Desantis announced that these grants will help improve water quality and quantity through supporting alternative water supply projects, innovative technology and restoration projects at area springs. The Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) is one of the local organizations to benefit from the grant money. This regional water supply authority was…
Your Questions Answered
November 2022
Q: What is the SWIM Program?
A: The Surface Water Improvement and Management or SWIM Program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies issues and drivers, and implements projects to improve water quality and habitat. In 1987, the Florida Legislature established the SWIM Act to protect, maintain, and restore Florida's surface water bodies. The Act required the five water…
Our journey along the Withlacoochee River begins in the cypress domes and forested wetlands of the Green Swamp. Four rivers emerge from this large oasis between Tampa and Orlando. It is an area of ecological and hydrologic importance because of its ability to store surface water and slow floodwaters while sustaining flow to multiple rivers and streams. The Green Swamp also supplies water to the aquifer, which isn’t too far below the land’s surface in…
Project OverviewAs part of the community effort to restore Kings Bay, the Southwest Florida Water Management District conducted a pilot project to restore eelgrass in Hunters Cove, a 10-acre area surrounding Hunter Springs. Eelgrass, once abundant in Kings Bay, is a native aquatic plant critical to improving water quality and sustaining beneficial fish and wildlife habitat.BackgroundA characteristic of most Florida springs is dense submerged aquatic…
Highlights
- System of 19 interconnected lakes, made up of two major groups; five in the northern chain and 14 in the southern chain
- Lakes were interconnected through the construction of canals to promote commerce
- Located in Polk County
- 32-square-mile watershed
- Nutrient loading from urban runoff
- Destruction of natural systems…
Land acquisition is the most effective approach to protecting ecologically significant areas. Under District ownership, land can be preserved and protected. Statutory mandates require that the District’s management of such lands ensures a balance between public access, general public recreational purposes, and restoration and protection of their natural state and condition. To preserve and protect the natural features of the Green Swamp, the District and other agencies…
As director of the Business and IT Services Division, Brandon Baldwin is responsible for leadership and oversight of the Finance and Information Technology bureaus as well as Procurement Services Office.Baldwin has 16 years of experience in budget, information technology, financial management, procurement, strategy and leadership. His most recent role was the Financial Management Systems Division director for the Department of the Navy. In this role, he managed a…
With nearly 30 percent of the watershed being conservation lands, there are many opportunities for recreation throughout the Withlacoochee River watershed. Many people enjoy visiting public conservation lands obtained by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and its partners to protect Florida’s water resources. The lands are open to the public for family activities such as hiking, bicycling, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, camping, nature study, paddling…