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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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
This project enhanced 315 acres of wetlands and uplands within the Tampa Bay watershed.Project Information
- Sawgrass Lake Park is more than 300 acres and is located in Pinellas County.
- The property is owned by the District and managed by Pinellas County.
- The lake and wetland system on the property provide flood protection and natural water treatment to enhance the quality of water draining into Tampa Bay.
- Nonnative and invasive vegetation…
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… Read more
Highlights
- Designated an “Estuary of National Significance” in 1987
- Surface area of approximately 52 square miles
- Includes Manatee and Sarasota counties
- 150-square-mile watershed
- Alteration and loss of coastal uplands and wetlands due to development
- Spread of non-native animal and plant species
- Degraded water quality from non-point source…
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
The District reevaluated minimum flows for the Lower Peace River and developed new minimum flows for Lower Shell Creek. The minimum flows for the Lower Peace River became effective in 2021 and minimum flows for Lower Shell Creek became effective in 2022.OverviewMinimum flows are limits for flowing water bodies established by the District Governing Board to help prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area that may be caused by water withdrawals.The… Read more
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… Read more
About Water Quality
Both the United States government and Florida have adopted water quality goals and standards. Each water body has its own standards. For example, water used for drinking has to be much cleaner than water used for crop irrigation or to cool machinery in a factory. Scientists use information from water monitoring to determine how a water body rates based on its intended use. If scientists rate water quality as GOOD, then the water can fully support… Read more
Rice, of Webster, was appointed to the Governing Board in September 2015 and reappointed in September 2019. He is the president of Prime Property Resources, Inc., Rice Cattle Company, and Physical Therapy Services of Brooksville, Inc. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. Rice is reappointed to a four-year term ending March 1, 2027.A Florida native, Rice was born in Lakeland, FL and graduated from Pasco Comprehensive… Read more
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…
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… Read more
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… Read more
Section 120.745, Florida Statutes (F.S.), requires agencies to undertake an enhanced review of the agency’s rules that replaces the biennial rule review normally required by Section 120.74, F.S. This process begins with each agency identifying any revenue rules (rules that fix an amount or provide for the collection of money), data collection rules (rules that require the submittal of documents or information), rules that can be repealed or amended to reduce economic impacts… Read more