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Viewing the pine flatwoods, cypress ponds and wildlife-filled wetlands on horseback is one of the many great recreational experiences that can be enjoyed on District lands.A Time-Honored Tradition Long-distance rides, multiday rides and overnight trail camping are some of the unique equestrian opportunities offered. Lands that have enough trail miles for a half-day ride or longer are generally open for equestrian use. Equestrian parking areas have been designed to…
About the Watershed Management ProgramThe District takes a watershed approach to managing water and water-related resources within its boundaries. By doing so, all the characteristics of each watershed can be evaluated to reflect the real, interconnected nature of Florida’s water resources. This increases the District’s ability to clearly identify, prioritize and address issues related to the area’s water resources. The Watershed Management Program provides a method to…
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…
The Five-Year Water Resource Development Work Program (Work Program or WRDWP) is part of the District’s annual budget reporting process. The Work Program describes the District’s implementation strategy and five-year funding plan for the water resource and water supply development components of the approved Regional Water Supply Plans and annual budgets. The District provides a Proposed Work Program to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for review within…
A sound is a wide channel linking two large bodies of water or separating an island from the mainland.Gasparilla Sound is east of Gasparilla Island, where the community of Boca Grande is located, and connects to the Charlotte Harbor. Salt marshes, mangrove swamps and salt flats spread along its shores. It receives freshwater runoff through a variety of sources such as Buck, Coral and Whiden creeks and the Catfish Creek Bayou. Gasparilla Island’s first inhabitants…
Made up of a dozen springs, Chassahowitzka Springs is the headwaters of one of the most ecologically healthy rivers in west-central Florida. About the SpringsThe Chassahowitzka River is a first-magnitude spring system that originates in southwest Citrus County. The river is known for being short and shallow, flowing 5.6 miles from the…
As more people focus on their lawns and landscaping this time of year, the "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.watermatters.org promotes "Florida-friendly fertilizing":http://WaterMatters.org/fertilizing practices.Florida-friendly fertilizing is an annual campaign encouraging residents to responsibly maintain their lawns.Recent studies have shown rising nitrate levels in many local water bodies can be traced to fertilizer. Nitrate is a form of nitrogen…
On Friday, February 12, the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":http://watermatters.org will certify the first home in Hernando County to meet the criteria of the "Florida Water StarSM Gold(Florida Water Star Gold)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/florida_water_star_gold program. The District has partnered with Diamond Construction to certify the home in Hernando County's Riverdale neighborhood as part of the…
This project restored habitat, including critical manatee habitat, and increased safety for visitors.
Project Overview
The District restored the shoreline around Three Sisters Springs to repair the eroded shoreline and prevent future erosion. These improvements benefit the Crystal River/Kings Bay spring system by restoring habitat, including critical manatee habitat and increasing safety for visitors.
Background
The shoreline surrounding the…
On Friday, February 5, the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":http://watermatters.org will certify the first home in Pasco County as part of the "Florida Water StarSM Gold(Florida Water Star Gold)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/florida_water_star_gold/ program at the Sunset Hills community in Dade City. The District has partnered with non-profit builder "Florida Home Partnership Inc.(Florida Home…
John Mitten of Brooksville is the franchise owner of Chick-fil-A in Spring Hill.Mitten was appointed to the Governing Board in October 2020 and reappointed in August 2024. His term expires March 1, 2028.Mitten earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University.Mitten has been a franchise owner of Chick-fil-A in Hernando County for more than 17 years. He was also appointed by former Governor Rick Scott to serve on the Hernando County Commission. He was…
James “Jim” Turner, of Sarasota, is Senior Counsel at Williams Parker Law Firm.Turner was appointed to the Governing Board in August 2025. His term ends March 1, 2027.Turner earned his bachelor’s degree in management science and accounting from Duke University and his juris doctor from the University of Florida.Turner represents Charlotte and Sarasota counties.
Jack Bispham of Myakka City is the owner and operator of Red Bluff Plantation.Bispham was appointed to the Governing Board for a term beginning Nov. 5, 2019. He was reappointed in May 2021 and again in August 2025. His term ends March 1, 2029.He earned a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Florida.Bispham has more than 40 years’ experience in various types of agricultural operations, including dairy farming, timber and turf production. He is the owner of…
Highlights
- Weeki Wachee Springs are the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River
- The headspring is home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, which features a water park and the famous underwater mermaid show
- Located in Hernando County
- First magnitude spring: 260-square-mile springshed
- Potential decrease in historic flows
- Elevated…
The Fraud and Compliance Hotline is an anonymous hotline to report fraudulent, unethical or other dishonest behavior.The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) provides an anonymous hotline to report fraudulent, unethical or other dishonest behavior.The District defines fraud as involving a willful or deliberate act or omission with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit, service, property or something of value by deception, misrepresentation or…
This project helped develop techniques to control algae and restore aquatic plants in the lower portion of the Rainbow River.BackgroundIn the lower portions of the Rainbow River, native aquatic vegetation may be decreasing while various types of algae, such as filamentous macroalgae (Lyngbya) and phytoplankton, may be increasing. An increase in algae downstream is typical in most rivers as the river’s velocity — the speed at which water flows — decreases and water…
Showers »
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:…
Cockroach BayThe Cockroach Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project represents one of the largest, most complex coastal ecosystem restoration projects ever completed for the Tampa Bay estuarine ecosystem.The land suffered from a number of environmental problems including habitat degradation, invasive plant infestation and poor water quality. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District), Hillsborough County, the Tampa Port Authority and many other agencies and…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Tuesday to elect officers for the 2026-2027 term. Jack Bispham was elected chair of the Governing Board. Bispham represents Manatee County and is the owner and operator of Red Bluff Plantation. Bispham was appointed to the Governing Board in November 2019 and was reappointed in May 2021 and again in August 2025.Ashley Bell Barnett was elected vice chair of the Governing Board. Bell Barnett represents…
The project’s goal is to restore the area back to its natural state, which helps improve resiliency in the natural systems and provide healthy habitat for native wildlife. Project Overview The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is scheduled to conduct a coastal restoration project at Cape Haze located in Charlotte County, just south of the Rotonda West community. The project is scheduled to begin spring 2026 and is predicted to take 24…