Search Content

The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently celebrated the contribution of hundreds of volunteers to the improvement of District lands with a Volunteer Appreciation Day.Approximately 300 volunteers are involved with the District’s Land Resources Volunteer Program. These volunteers play an important role in maintaining the District’s many recreational trails and campgrounds.“District volunteers have put in hours and hours of time helping develop…

What are minimum flows and minimum water levels (MFLs)?In short, an MFL sets a limit on how much water can be withdrawn from various water resources to prevent significant harm occurring to those resources or the ecology of the area.What does “significant harm” mean?The Florida legislature did not define the term ‘significant harm.’ However, the District has developed criteria for significant harm to various types of water resources. The…

Two developers recently received statewide recognition for using Florida-friendly landscaping techniques in their communities.The University of Floridas Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN), Builder/Developer program presented prestigious Community-Wide Florida-Friendly Landscaping Awards to Lee Wetherington Homes for the Willow Bend community in Sarasota County and King Ranch Manatee for the River Forest community in Manatee County. The awards were presented at Green…

“Get Outside!” at Potts Preserve Oct. 23 The District is hosting a family-friendly community event at Potts Preserve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2010. The event will offer guided nature hikes, a native animal presentation, an archery adventure for all ages, children’s activities, waterless fishing and scavenger hunts. River boat tours will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The District is inviting the community to “Get Outside…

Your Questions Answered December 2022Q: Why do I need a permit to construct a water well?A: A well construction permit is required before installation of a water well within the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District). The permits ensure that wells are constructed by qualified contractors to meet rigid safety and durability standards and protect the groundwater resource.Q: Does it matter what part of the District…

Who:Southwest Florida Water Management District Basin Board members and staff, Friends of the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, Yankeetown School middle-grade students, Mayor Dawn Clary and other Yankeetown representativesWhat:The groups are celebrating the grand opening of the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, which includes 413 acres of publicly owned land managed by Yankeetown, a boardwalk, hiking trails and an educational building.The event will include a dedication ceremony,…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is announcing the recipients of the 2005 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 29 grants Districtwide for a total of $107,667.The overall goal of the Community Education Grant Program is to actively engage adults in water-related issues pertaining to conservation,…

Television viewers throughout the District are learning about Florida-friendly landscaping through the District’s new advertising campaign. The series of three commercials feature people enjoying beautiful Florida-friendly yards while homeowners and landscaping experts tell the viewer more about the nine basic principles. Portions of the commercials were taped at Lakewood Ranch, a development in Sarasota and Manatee counties that is certified by the Florida Green…

March 14 – 21, 2009The Southwest Florida Water Management District, together with Citrus and Marion counties and the cities of Crystal River and Dunnellon, will proclaim March 14-21 as the first Springs Awareness Week.Here is a list of events taking place during Springs Awareness Week. These events are aimed at raising awareness about the health of the local springs and what people can do to protect them.Nitrate pollution from overusing fertilizers is one reason the…

Polk County residents are invited to attend the "Southwest Florida Water Management District's(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":http://watermatters.org "Get Outside!" event at the Hampton Tract on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The free event includes family-friendly activities such as guided nature hikes, "I Spy" scavenger hunts, a native plant raffle and more.The 11,052-acre "Hampton Tract(Hampton Tract)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/…

As Tropical Depression Fred approaches Florida, the District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is monitoring the storm and is expected to activate tomorrow. It is important for staff to stay informed as the storm could potentially impact our region this weekend. We will make every effort to communicate information to employees in the following ways:

• Internal Communications Emails: Employees should monitor their emails for…

Your Questions Answered June 2022 Q: What is reclaimed water? A: Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater which can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our water supplies. Reclaimed water is delivered through purple pipes, which you have probably seen in your community. Q: What are some of the ways reclaimed water is used? A: Reclaimed water is used to irrigate crops, residential lawns, schools,…

Basin Board: Manasota Basin Board Term: First appointed March 26, 2001. Currently in her third term, which expires March 1, 2010 Occupation: Land Planner Current residence: Manatee County Hometown: Saginaw, Michigan Reason you applied to be a Basin Board member: Opportunity to get involved in one of the most important planning issues…

Your Questions Answered January 2020 The Weeki Wachee River has been a popular site for recreational activities for many years. Recently, both public and private stakeholders agreed to take a closer look at what steps should be taken now to ensure the waterway is protected for years to come. Randy Smith, Natural Systems & Restoration Bureau Chief for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, explains the results of the recently…

The Office of Agricultural Water Policy is a nonregulatory division of the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS).Staff located at service offices of the Southwest Florida Water Management District work with the local agriculture community to promote best management practices (BMPs). They also work closely with the water management districts, USDA-NRCS, soil and water conservation districts, and UF-IFAS to aid in implementation of BMPs to improve…

Explore Florida’s Natural Wonders During Florida Hiking MonthFebruary is Florida Hiking Month, the perfect time to lace up your boots and hit the trails! With cooler weather and stunning landscapes, there’s no better season to explore the Sunshine State’s natural beauty. This year, we’re celebrating Florida’s hiking opportunities while highlighting the unique experiences these trails offer.

December 2024Q: What is FARMS?A: The Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems, or FARMS program for short, is designed to serve as an incentive to the agricultural community to promote water quantity, water quality and natural systems BMPs to conserve groundwater use and protect water quality in the springs. The program is an agricultural cost-share reimbursement program that reduces groundwater withdrawals from the Upper…

Dozens of students between the ages of 9 and 18 explored District offices in April as part of the annual “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” This is the tenth year the District has participated in the nationwide event. Students spent the day learning about activities at the District and daily tasks of their parents, guardians, relatives or friends. In Brooksville, the children participated in two hands-on water resources exercises and toured six departments before…

Hog hunters from Hernando County (left to right) Wade Jenkins, Jason Bibeau and Chris Bibeau. District land managers say a series of hog hunts held on District lands this winter and spring helped reduce the wild hog population. Hundreds of hogs were removed from seven different tracts of land throughout the District. The District opened the land for hunting because wild hogs cause extensive damage to the natural habitats. Wild hogs, which are not native to…