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 This Florida scrub-jay was captured on camera at the District’s Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve in Marion County by Will Van Gelder, senior land management specialist. The Florida scrub-jay and other threatened and endangered species now have an improved habitat thanks to restoration projects at the District’s Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve in Marion County. “This is a successful habitat enhancement project that has brought the population from about 3 to 100…

A Marion County project expected to reach up to 30,000 people was recently awarded a Community Education Grant from the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/.This year the District approved 29 grants Districtwide for a total of $120,471. This is the 14th year "Community Education Grants(Community Education Grant program)":/business/communitygrants have been available. These grants offer reimbursement up to $5,000 to help…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating infestations of hydrilla on the Rainbow River in Marion County Nov. 12-14. The section of the river to be treated is the upper portion of the river from the Blue Cove area to just upstream of KP Hole ParkTreatment involves the application of the aquatic herbicide Aquathol Super K. Treatment areas will be posted with warning signs displaying treatment dates and applicable restrictions. Water from the treated…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating infestations of hydrilla on the Rainbow River in Marion County Oct. 27-31. The section of the river to be treated is from upstream of KP Hole Park to where the Rainbow River meets the Withlacoochee River.Treatment involves the application of the aquatic herbicide Aquathol Super K. Treatment areas will be posted with warning signs displaying treatment dates and applicable restrictions. Water from the treated…

Douglas B. Tharp was sworn into office at the District’s September Governing Board meeting. Tharp, a retired industrial engineer who lives in The Villages, was appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist to represent Citrus, Lake, Levy and Sumter counties on the District’s Governing Board. He will also serve as the co-chair ex officio of the Withlacoochee River Basin Board. Tharp joins the Governing Board with a strong interest in the environment as…

A completed road project in Auburndale will help reduce flooding and improve water quality thanks to a partnership between the District and the city. Auburndale city leaders recently dedicated the PK Avenue project, which made improvements to the roadway that reduced residential flooding and helped improve water quality. The project was co-operatively funded by the District, the Auburndale Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Auburndale. This $4.5…

Hundreds of second-grade students experienced animals, art projects, exhibits and more all while learning the importance of natural resources and careers in science. The students were at the recent Water, Wings and Wild Things Kids Festival organized by Polk County’s Nature Discovery Center. Various vendors set up booths at the outdoor festival, including the District. The event took place at Circle B Bar Reserve, which is a land jointly owned by the Polk County…

A Hernando County project expected to reach up to 150 people was recently awarded a Community Education Grant from the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/. This year the District approved 29 grants Districtwide for a total of $120,471. This is the 14th year "Community Education Grants(Community Education Grant program)":/business/communitygrants have been available. These grants offer reimbursement up to $5,000 to help…

Florida native and citrus grower Ronald E. Oakley took his oath of office during the July Board meeting to serve on the Governing Board. Gov. Charlie Crist appointed the Zephyrhills resident to succeed Talmadge G. “Jerry” Rice. Oakley’s term ends March 1, 2011. Oakley is the executive vice president of Oakley Groves, Inc. in Lake Wales. He believes his experience as a citrus grower and rancher will give him insight into managing the District’s water resources,…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has revised and extended the water shortage emergency order for the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority to protect the drinking water supply for more than 250,000 residents.The executive order signed Thursday will allow the Authority to continue withdrawals from the Peace River at an increased rate as a means of meeting current water demand and storing additional water in its reservoir and two aquifer storage…

Eight Pinellas County projects were awarded Community Education Grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. These grants provide up to $5,000 to help fund projects that provide communities an opportunity to learn about water resources.This year the District awarded 38 grants Districtwide for a total of $136,598. This is the 11th year Community Education Grants have been available.The overall goal of the Community Education Grant Program is to actively…

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Janey Baldwin, secretary of the Withlacoochee River Basin Board, left, talks with Jay Yingling, District senior economist, at the Regional Water Supply Plan public workshop for the Northern Planning Region. In an effort to plan for future water supplies and demands in our area, the District is updating the 2006 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP). This document was first published in 2001, in accordance with Florida Statute 373.0361, and is…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has revised the water shortage emergency order for the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority to meet the drinking water supply for more than 250,000 residents.This modification allows the Authority to withdraw up to 120 million gallons per day (mgd) from the Peace River for up to 120 days. This increase in the maximum daily intake from 90 to 120 mgd will allow the Authority to take advantage of the high flows…

Students at All Saints Academy in Polk County got to experience the water cycle first-hand on a recent rainy-day field trip to Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. The rain didn’t prevent the fourth- and fifth-grade students from enjoying their field trip. And instead, they used the opportunity to set up their rain gauges. The field trip is funded by the District.  Students also hiked through the property stopping to test water quality and use dip nets to examine…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has revised and extended the water shortage emergency order for the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority to protect the drinking water supply for more than 250,000 residents. The order is now scheduled to expire on October 26, 2008 unless it is rescinded or extended by District’s Governing Board or executive director. The order was slated to expire June 25, 2008.The executive order signed Wednesday will…

Three DeSoto County projects were awarded Community Education Grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. 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 49 grants Districtwide for a total of $171,444. This is the 10th year Community Education Grants have been available.The overall goal of the Community Education Grant Program is to…

"The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board ":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/governingboard/ proclaimed April 2014 Springs Protection Awareness Month. In support of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proclamation and efforts, the Board also emphasized that the state's springs are essential to the environment, economy, citizens and visitors of the state.The District invested more than $2.1 million in springs protection and…

Visitors will find it easier to navigate some of their favorite trails thanks to new features at some of the Southwest Florida Water Management District's properties.The District created new trail maps and other information at kiosks on site to enrich the experience when exploring properties. The new trail maps were created for 16 of the District's most popular properties using detailed information including global positioning coordinates. The properties with the new maps…

Following the Florida Legislature's lead, the "Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board ":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/governingboard/ proclaimed April 2013 Springs Protection Awareness Month at their monthly board meeting. The Board emphasized that the state's springs are essential to the environment, economy, citizens and visitors of the state.The District invested more than $2.2 million in "springs protection":http://www.swfwmd.state.…