Search Content
Displaying results 101 - 120 of 1328
Overview It is common practice for local farmers to spray water on their crops during frost/freeze events to protect the crops. It is a best management practice for strawberry, blueberry and citrus crops and plant nurseries. Water use permits issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) allow frost/freeze quantities that are based on long-term historical pumping records and guidance from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and…
As Data Collection bureau chief, Sandie Will is responsible for overseeing the Geohydrologic Data; Hydrologic Data; the Water Quality Monitoring Program; and Mapping/GIS sections. Activities conducted in these sections include coring; well construction; aquifer performance testing; water level and atmospheric data collection; groundwater and surface water quality sampling; land surveying; laboratory analyses; geospatial data…
What are MFLs?“MFLs” is short for minimum flows and minimum water levels. Minimum flows are set for rivers, streams, estuaries, and springs, while minimum water levels are established for lakes, wetlands, and aquifers. In short, an MFL sets a limit on how much water can be withdrawn from a water resource to prevent significant harm occurring to the water resources or the ecology of the area.Why does the Southwest Florida Water Management District set MFLs?Florida law (…
When Krista McKean and Deborah Ammendola learned that hundreds of dogs were rescued from a meat farm in South Korea and headed to the Tampa Bay Humane Society, they knew they would need donations. And the field technicians knew they could count on their generous co-workers to help.
District staff donated 269 items including blankets, dog food, toys, leashes, and grooming and…
Will WMIS continue to be available?
WMIS for resource data management is no longer being updated for new monitoring stations or their data and will no longer be available after Oct. 31, 2020. Note that e-Permitting functions are not impacted and can be accessed as usual.
Are SID numbers changing?
SID (Site ID) numbers are not changing, but they are now called “Station IDs” in the EDP to be compatible with industry-standard terminology.
What if I…
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,…
Your Questions AnsweredNovember 2021Florida has the largest concentration of springs in the world, with more than 200 springs within the boundaries of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. These natural wonders rely on rainfall to replenish their water source, and Dr. Madison Trowbridge explains how the rainy season provides big benefits for Florida’s springs.Q: What is spring flow?A: Spring flow is the amount of water that…
Your Questions Answered March 2021During the past year, we’ve come to appreciate the recreational opportunities of natural Florida like never before. The Weeki Wachee River is one of those breath-taking jewels people love to visit. This river flows about 7 miles from the headspring to where it meets the Gulf of America at Bayport in Hernando County. It’s a popular spot for kayaking and boating, but a recent study found certain recreational activities…
Sometimes Florida yards need fertilizer to help keep them healthy, but don't just empty a bag of fertilizer into your spreader without doing your homework. The "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/ recommends that you follow the directions on the package when choosing and applying fertilizers. Applying too much fertilizer, too often or at the wrong time can cause water pollution. Use Florida-friendly fertilizing…
Regions IV and X of the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) held their respective drinking water taste-testing competition at the Three Sisters Springs National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River and at the District’s Sarasota office on Friday April 8.
The winners were the City of Wildwood for the Region IV competition in Crystal River and Charlotte County for the Region X competition held in Sarasota.
The entries are…
One of the best places to take on actions that help protect water quality and conserve water resources is in your own yard. If you’re not allowed to or don’t have a yard, check in with your teachers to see if you and your friends can make positive changes right at school! Small changes outdoors can make a big difference in protecting Florida’s environment and keeping your local watershed healthy.
The number of people moving to Florida is growing every…
Two Highlands County projects expected to reach nearly 6,000 residents 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…
The Venice area is rich in history and has important archeological sites. In fact, there are traces of settlements from over 10,000 years ago when the Florida peninsula was twice as wide as it is today. At that time, it was an area with vast savannas, grasslands and open prairies.Several thousand years later, the Calusa Indians, who dominated most of South Florida, thrived in the area as an important civilization for many generations. They left canal systems, impressive…
Canoeing »
Explore the deepest wildlands of a Florida blackwater cypress swamp, or float down the crystal clear waters of a pristine spring-fed stream.
District lands preserve hundreds of miles of pristine shoreline along many of the beautiful rivers and lakes in the region. Whether it is a great blue heron stalking its prey, an alligator sunning on a log or a deer getting a drink from the cool, clear waters of a spring-fed river, there are endless opportunities to view wildlife in…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) offers this page as a means of providing our partners and cooperators our logotype and seal.We’ve organized files based on the file formats typically preferred by home/office software and professional graphics software. Please contact our webmaster for…
Doing Business with the DistrictThank you for your interest in doing business with the District. We procure goods and services in a fair and ethical way that encourages competition, is consistent with applicable laws, policies and procedures, and ensures taxpayers receive the most value for tax dollars. We also follow these values and guiding principles of public procurement…
About the Watershed Management ProgramThe District takes a watershed approach to managing water and water-related resources within its boundaries. By doing so, all the characteristics of each watershed can be evaluated to reflect the real, interconnected nature of Florida’s water resources. This increases the District’s ability to clearly identify, prioritize and address issues related to the area’s water resources. The Watershed Management Program provides a method to…
Various views of the Tampa Bypass/Harney Park site, as well as Marilyn Samaha accepting the District’s first Land Resources Volunteer of the Year Award from Fritz Musselmann, land resources director.
The countless hours Marilyn Samaha spent developing a recreational partnership among the District, Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bypass Canal Rowing Council (TBCRC), which she created and serves as president, recently earned her the District’s first Land…
Program Update: Thank you for your interest in the WISE Program. The program is not currently accepting or processing applications for projects unless they are submitted and led by a utility. The program’s objectives and protocols are under review, and if or when the program may resume for non-utility projects is not known at this time. This webpage will be updated when a decision is made. (Update posted Oct. 21, 2025)About WISE ProgramGrants (cost-…
Mission StatementOur mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met.Core Values
- Service Excellence
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Self Management
- Professional Integrity
- Professional and Technical Excellence