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There are more than 200 documented springs throughout the District. However, most individual springs cluster around 16 groups of springs, five of which are classified as first-magnitude groups based on the amount of water they discharge. While recognizing the need to manage all springs, the District places a priority on the five first-magnitude spring groups: Rainbow, Crystal River/Kings Bay, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, and Weeki Wachee. These spring groups, located in… Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) ombudsman responds to public inquiries about District policies and practices. When issues arise between the public and the District, the ombudsman acts independently of the District to assist the public by:

• Providing information
• Answering questions
• Facilitating dispute resolutions
• Investigating concerns
• Maintaining confidentiality

Please note: If the matter is in… Read more

The Withlacoochee River is one of Florida’s wondrous waterways, one of the few rivers in the world flowing south to north. It is 160 miles long, starting in the Green Swamp and winding through eight different counties before discharging into the Gulf of America.

 The name Withlacoochee is derived from a Creek Indian word meaning Little Big Water, a likely description of the high and low fluctuations the river naturally experiences.As you travel… Read more

Frank Gargano was appointed ombudsman of the Southwest Florida Water Management District in November 2023. Gargano responds to public inquiries about District policies and practices. He provides information, answers questions and facilitates dispute resolution when issues arise between the public and staff.Gargano has more than 25 years of experience. Prior to being appointed ombudsman, he was the agency’s Government and Community Affairs regional manager and field… Read more

Spend a day with your family and friends in the great outdoors. Many District properties offer picnic facilities. Check the individual property for specific information about picnicking on that tract and the level of amenities provided. In addition, the District has three spacious and modern pavilions available for your next large group picnic. Make a reservation below:   While enjoying the picnic facilities, please follow all rules outlined in the… Read more

 Lemon Bay extends about 13 miles long and is separated from the Gulf of America by Little Gasparilla Island and Manasota Key. It is designated by the State of Florida as an aquatic preserve and an Outstanding Florida Waterway among other recognitions. The Lemon Bay area is bustling with live creatures, such as eagles, pinfish, pelicans,… Read more

Mulch is loose stuff you spread on top of soil. People sometimes use mulch in their gardens or where grass doesn’t grow well. Florida-friendly yards often use a lot of mulch. Why is mulch so great?

1. Mulch that comes from plants (organic) will provide food for the plants you are growing.
2. Mulch keeps your soil warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
3. Mulch keeps the soil beneath it from drying out — so you don’t need to water as much.
…

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Privacy Policy Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to any Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) email address. Instead,… Read more

According to the National Weather Service, parts of the Tampa Bay area are expected to have near- to below-freezing temperatures Saturday morning.The Southwest Florida Water Management District advises residents who live near Plant City and Dover who have well pumps without automatic cutoff switches to turn off the pumps before temperatures dip.During a freeze or near-freezing temperatures, water is pumped to protect crops… Read more

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 A tributary is a small stream or river that flows into a larger one. The Peace River is fed by many tributaries.Saddle CreekIn the northern portion of the watershed, Upper Saddle Creek originates in the Green Swamp and flows into Lake Hancock, the largest lake in the watershed. Lower Saddle Creek drains out of Lake Hancock before it meets Peace Creek and forms the Peace River northeast of Bartow.  Peace CreekPeace Creek originates… Read more

Consistent with direction provided by Governor DeSantis, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has canceled all nonessential travel and implemented social distancing to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Additionally, all District offices will be closed to the public beginning March 17, 2020 until further notice. During this time, our staff will continue to conduct business and provide quality service from alternative work locations… Read more

Sawgrass Lake Park was designed for people interested in observing and learning about nature. The Sawgrass Lake project began in 1972 to provide flood protection to the city of Pinellas Park. A water-control structure was built to facilitate drainage canal improvements and to maintain desirable water level fluctuations in Sawgrass Lake and the surrounding swamp. The District retains responsibility for operating the water-control structure. The lake and swamp system also… Read more

 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… Read more

Bugs really bug some people, so they use nasty chemicals to kill them. Florida-friendly yards use IPM — integrated pest management. That means nasty chemicals are a last resort. What’s IPM? Healthy, native plants are already resistant to pests and don’t need chemicals. If problems do arise, use spot-treatment, rather than covering your whole yard with a pesticide. Remember, too much water or fertilizer can encourage pests. Mowing your lawn too short will weaken… Read more

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

Americans with Disabilities Act and discrimination in federally funded programs public grievance procedure  The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability. This nondiscrimination policy involves every aspect of the District’s functions, including access to and participation in the District’s programs, services and activities. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation, or would like information as to the… Read more

A joint acquisition effort between the District and the state, the preserve consists of various noncontiguous parcels that partially surround the Charlotte Harbor estuary and its major tributaries. All lands are managed as a state park. The preserve is regionally important because it provides protection to the Gasparilla… Read more