Search Content

 The threatened Florida scrub-jay lives in a “scrub” community with scrub oaks, rosemary shrubs, rusty lyonia shrubs, sand pine trees, saw palmettos and prickly pear cactuses. This species only lives in Florida and does not migrate like other birds. Rather, the Florida scrub-jay typically stays within a four- to six-mile territory throughout its life.The effects of increased development and agriculture have reduced the population of scrub-jays. However, multiple state…

At today’s meeting, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Withlacoochee River Basin Board adopted a fiscal year 2006 (FY2006) millage rate of 0.265 mill, which is the same as the current fiscal year.The budget for FY2006 is $8,656,121, which is a decrease of $2,656,217 from the approved FY2005 budget. The main reason for the decrease is a reduction in the state appropriation for the Lake Panasoffkee Restoration Project from $4.3 million in FY2005 to…

At its June 5 meeting, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Alafia River Basin Board adopted a proposed fiscal year 2009 (FY2009) millage rate of 0.2163 mill, which is the same as the current fiscal year. The Alafia River Basin Board area covers the southern portion of Hillsborough County and the southwestern portion of Polk County.This millage rate combined with a reduction in taxable property values as estimated by the county property appraisers will…

With spring break season approaching, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District), along with other local and state partners, wants to remind Weeki Wachee River visitors about the recreational best practices that will help protect the river and reduce ecological impacts.  A recent ecologically based study found direct links between recreational use on the river and environmental damage. For example, visitors leaving kayaks while on the river have…

At its June 4 meeting, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Alafia River Basin Board adopted a proposed fiscal year 2010 (FY2010) millage rate of 0.2163 mill, which is the same as the current fiscal year. The Alafia River Basin Board area covers the southern portion of Hillsborough County and the southwestern portion of Polk County.This proposed millage rate combined with a reduction in taxable property values as estimated by the county property…

Governor Charlie Crist recently appointed Devon Higginbotham to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Hillsborough River Basin Board.Higginbotham was appointed to succeed Hung T. Mai. She is from Plant City and is a residential contractor with Archive Properties. Her term ends March 1, 2010. Higginbotham was appointed to the District’s Northwest Hillsborough Basin Board in 2006, but resigned her seat to serve on the Hillsborough River Basin Board.…

At its June 8 meeting, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Alafia River Basin Board adopted a proposed fiscal year 2007 (FY2007) millage rate of 0.240 mill, which is the same as the current fiscal year.The proposed budget for FY2007 is $7,141,180, which is an increase of $428,016 from the adopted FY2006 budget. The main reason for this budget increase is due to increased property values. FY2007 will run from Oct. 1, 2006, through Sept. 30, 2007.The Alafia…

The Florida House of Representatives and Senate each adopted a resolution last week declaring April 14 through April 21 Peace River Watershed Awareness Week.The Senate resolution was sponsored by Sen. J.D. Alexander. Sens. Michael Bennett, Lisa Carlton and Rhonda Storms co-sponsored the resolution.The House resolution was sponsored by Rep. Michael Grant. Reps. Frank Attkisson, Marty Bowen, Seth McKeel and Dennis Ross co-sponsored the resolution.“We’re pleased that our…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be conducting “controlled, prescribed burns” during the months of February through April on the District’s Myakka River Project property. The property is located between I-75 and U.S. Hwy. 41 and between Myakka River and North Port. The scheduled, managed burns are a part of routine maintenance of lands managed by the District.There is the potential to burn approximately 2,000 acres of land in small,…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has activated the Tampa Bypass Canal system in response to heavy rains in the Tampa Bay area. Boat barriers were put in place where I-75 crosses the river, restricting navigation in that area. The District has been in contact with Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, the City of Tampa, Tampa Bay Water and the City of Temple Terrace to notify them of this action. As a result, Trout Creek Park and Nature’s…

The Green Swamp is recognized by the state of Florida for its ecological and hydrological importance. There are several unique characteristics of the area. The Green Swamp can store surface water and slow the flow of floodwaters while sustaining rivers and streams. Its relatively high elevation, together with a shallow depth to the aquifer, keeps water levels high. The water table for much of the year stands above the potentiometric surface of the Floridan aquifer, providing…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will hold a kickoff meeting on Tuesday, March 13 at 5 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church located at 1100 W. Highland Blvd. in Inverness. The purpose of the meeting is to gather feedback about the upcoming development of the minimum flows for the upper and middle Withlacoochee River. Minimum flows protect rivers, streams and springs from impacts associated with groundwater and surface water withdrawals. They are one…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will hold a kickoff meeting on Thursday, March 1 at 5 p.m. at the Ridge Manor Community Center located at 34240 Cortez Blvd. in Ridge Manor. The purpose of the meeting is to gather feedback about the upcoming development of the minimum flows for the upper and middle Withlacoochee River. Minimum flows protect rivers, streams and springs from impacts associated with groundwater and surface water withdrawals. They are…

A cooperative project between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will treat stormwater runoff in the Hillsborough River State Park.Located in Hillsborough County, the well-known park was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corp. The park opened in 1938 and was one of Florida’s first state parks.The goal of this multi-phased project is to treat stormwater runoff from several parking lots before…

At its August 16 meeting, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Withlacoochee River Basin Board adopted a fiscal year 2005 (FY2005) millage rate of 0.265 mill, which is the same as the current fiscal year.The budget forFY2005 is $11,312,338, which is an increase of $6,769,805 over the approvedFY2004 budget. The main reason for this major budget increase is because the District will receive a $4.3 million state appropriation and anticipates receiving $1…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water hyacinth and water lettuce on portions of the Manatee River May 29 through May 31. The treatment areas are located south of State Road 64 in Manatee County.Treatment involves the spot application of the aquatic herbicide Aquastar to scattered infestations. River water within the treated area should not be used for drinking purposes. The drinking restriction does not apply to tap or well water.…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be conducting "controlled, prescribed burns" during September on the Upper Myakka River Watershed in Manatee County.Upper Myakka River Watershed is located in Myakka City. Approximately 134 acres of land will be burned in small, manageable units. The scheduled, managed burns are a part of routine maintenance of lands managed by the District.According to Land Management Supervisor Will VanGelder, burns are conducted to…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be conducting "controlled, prescribed burns" during July on the Upper Myakka River Watershed in Manatee County.Upper Myakka River Watershed is located in Myakka City. Approximately 134 acres of land will be burned in small, manageable units. The scheduled, managed burns are a part of routine maintenance of lands managed by the District.According to Land Management Supervisor Will VanGelder, burns are conducted to mimic…

Historical Groundwater and Surface Water Levels, Rainfall and Evapotranspiration DataLast-Recorded Value App »Find the most recent water level or rainfall value for data collection sites.Daily…