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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…
Are stormwater systems designed to withstand a 100-year flood event? In some circumstances, permitted stormwater systems are designed to manage a 100-year, 24-hour rainfall event. In what is called a “closed” drainage basin, stormwater ponds must not only limit the rate of discharge to the pre-development 25-year, 24-hour rate, but they must also be designed to limit the volume of discharge to the pre-development 100-year, 24-hour…
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…
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…
The Splash! school grant program provides up to $3,000 per teacher to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources issues. Public and charter school teachers of grades K through 12 are eligible to apply.Completing Your Grant ApplicationBefore completing a grant application, be prepared with the following:Grant Topic:…
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…
Red Drum »
Red Drum, also known as redfish, spottail, red bass and channel bass, are bronze or copper in color and have one or more black spots at the base of their tails. Many scientists believe that this black spot protects young drum from larger fish by acting as a decoy "eye." The larger fish are more likely to attack the head of the young, vulnerable red drum. The decoy eye fools predators into believing that the red fish's tail is its head. When a predator makes a grab for the…
This project restored habitat, including critical manatee habitat, and will help prevent future erosion of sediment into the spring. The Three Sisters Springs Canal Stabilization Project is complete and is helping to reduce erosion and restore habitat. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages water access to the springs, which is limited during manatee season from Nov. 15 – April 1. This is to protect manatees seeking refuge in the warm waters of…
Pinellas County residents will soon be participating in an irrigation study aimed at determining the potential irrigation water savings of soil moisture sensors.Residential lawn and landscape irrigation can account for more than 50 percent of a home’s total water use and according to recent research, many Florida homeowners water their lawns too much. One way to prevent over-irrigation is to add a soil moisture sensor to a time clock controlled irrigation system. These…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently approved an agreement to help Marion County fund its first irrigation evaluation program.As part of the program, approximately 250 residents may volunteer to participate in this free program. Participants will receive an irrigation system evaluation, site-specific recommendations, installation of a rain sensor or a soil moisture sensor if an operable automatic shutoff device is not present, and Florida-friendly…
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…
View Current Openings »Launch Your Career with a Purpose Are you ready to learn from experienced professionals and build a strong foundation for your future? The Southwest Florida Water Management District, a leader in protecting Florida’s water resources, invites you to apply for a unique…
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…
Government & Community Affairs Office Chief
As office chief of Government and Community Affairs, Cara Martin oversees the District’s government affairs and growth management/planning responsibilities of the District. Martin and her staff are the main liaisons between the District and local, state and federal government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. The Government and Community Affairs staff review all statutorily required government and…
Biking »
From the novice to the expert trails, many different types of biking opportunities can be found on District lands.BikingWilderness Park Off Road Trails System at Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
The District offers many recreational opportunities for everybody to get outside.The District and its partners provides recreational opportunities for the mobility-impaired. Many of the lands listed in this guide have accessible facilities such as paved trails, boardwalks, fishing piers, picnic areas or restrooms that meet the standards established by the ADA. The District also provides opportunities for mobility-impaired fishing and hunting on some areas…