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The initiative was designed to better understand the dynamics of the river and watershed, identify how alterations have affected the system, and evaluate alternatives to better manage the water resources. STATUS UPDATE: A peer review of the Withlacoochee River Model was completed in 2020. This peer review concluded that the model results and conclusions are accurate and can be relied upon for resource management and understanding of this complex river…

Blackwater streams and rivers originate in swampy areas and get their names because the water that flows through them is stained dark brown, like the color of tea, by organic acids. This staining gives the appearance of "black" water. Some examples of blackwater rivers in the District include the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee and Pithlachascotee rivers. Some of the animals you will find in blackwater streams and rivers include alligators, river otters, bluegills, snapping…

Part of being a water superhero means fighting off the villains that threaten our water resources. That includes invasive plants that creep in and take over natural water habitats. What Makes a Plant Invasive? Invasive plants are non-native species that have been brought to Florida from around the world. Some non-native plants are harmless, but others can reproduce and spread rapidly, pushing out native plants and wildlife. When non-native plants…

 In 1539, the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto made his first New World landfall at the mouth of the Manatee River, where the fresh water of the river flows into the salt waters of Tampa Bay.Imagine the Spaniard’s amazement when he saw the giant wading birds and tangles of mangroves bordering the Manatee River. Braving the mosquitoes, no-see-’ums and snakes, de Soto and his army set up a campsite near a lush mangrove swamp, which visitors can still see today as…

Welcome to the WaterMatters Blog. This blog is a chronicle of news, issues and events happening at the Southwest Florida Water Management District. 

Join our dedicated staff and make working for our water resources your life’s work too!When you choose a career at the District, you’re joining a team that supports a vital mission to protect Florida’s water resources while working in a supportive culture and receiving extensive benefits. Our employees take pride in their work and receive the necessary resources to make them a success. Staff have access to numerous opportunities to grow and excel. And the caliber of…

The following fact sheets provide information about District programs and projects.  District Water Control Structures  

The Homosassa River is another spring fed river beginning at Homosassa Springs. This short, slow-moving tidal river flows eight miles from the headsprings to where it meets the Gulf of America in Citrus County.The river is a mixture of fresh water from the headsprings and salt water from the Gulf of America. The tidal influence makes the river home to both freshwater and saltwater fish. Some of the freshwater fish you'll find in the Homosassa River include Bluegill,…

Joint Public Workshop on the 2025 Priority Lists and Schedules for the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Planning Area: South Florida Water Management District, Southwest Florida Water Management District and St. Johns River Water Management District

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Cockroach BayThe Cockroach Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project represents one of the largest, most complex coastal ecosystem restoration projects ever completed for the Tampa Bay estuarine ecosystem.The land suffered from a number of environmental problems including habitat degradation, invasive plant infestation and poor water quality. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District), Hillsborough County, the Tampa Port Authority and many other agencies and…

Updated February 2026 Section 373.036, F.S. requires the water management districts to prepare a "Consolidated Water Management District Annual Report” consisting of several reporting documents that had historically been submitted separately. The legislation requires the consolidated report to be submitted by March 1 of each year to the Governor, DEP, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In addition, copies must be provided, “… to…

Pursuant to Section 112.3261, Florida Statutes, starting July 1, 2014, a person may not lobby a water management district until such person has registered with that district. A person wanting to lobby the Southwest Florida Water Management District is urged to read the full…

NEW Regulatory Inquiry Form: An easy way to directly connect with the appropriate permitting staff regarding your comments, questions or citizen complaints. Your submittal will be routed to appropriate staff, who will contact you back by phone or email with a response. You also have the option to remain anonymous.…

Viewing the pine flatwoods, cypress ponds and wildlife-filled wetlands on horseback is one of the many great recreational experiences that can be enjoyed on District lands. A Time-Honored Tradition Long-distance rides, multiday rides and overnight trail camping are some of the unique equestrian opportunities offered. Lands that have enough trail miles for a half-day ride or longer are generally open for equestrian use. Equestrian parking areas have been designed to…

What is the Weeki Wachee Carrying Capacity Study? The Weeki Wachee Carrying Capacity Study is an ecologically-based study of the Weeki Wachee River in Hernando County. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of recreational use on the natural systems of the river, as its growing popularity and increased visitor traffic have led to concerns about potential degradation of the river and its ecosystems. Who conducted the study? Third-party consultant Wood…

As bureau chief of Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP), Dave Kramer is responsible for setting goals and objectives for the bureau, developing and managing the budget and financial decisions, managing direct reports (ERP managers, chief environmental scientists, agricultural team staff) and executing environmental resource permitting and compliance. In addition, Kramer collaborates with other bureaus and divisions, serving as a member of the Senior Staff team,…

The Chassahowitzka Springs form the headwaters of the Chassahowitzka River in the town of Homosassa. It is considered one of the more scenic rivers in Florida as it flows nearly seven miles through mostly undeveloped area before discharging into the Gulf of America near the Citrus and Hernando County border. Most of the lands adjacent to the river are in public ownership, meaning they will retain much of their natural beauty for generations to come.…

As Operations bureau chief, Jerry Mallams is responsible for overseeing a wide range of activities, including structure operations, land management, construction and data collection. He oversees the 85 District-owned flood control and water conservation structures and canal rights-of-way within the 16-county area. In addition, he oversees the maintenance of 271,000 acres of District conservation lands. His bureau provides construction services for hydrologic restoration…

Project Overview An ecologically-based study was completed to evaluate how recreational use affects natural systems along the Weeki Wachee River in Hernando County, Florida. The study, known as a carrying capacity study, is intended to provide information to assist in making decisions that will better manage impacts of recreational use on this natural system. Background The beauty of the river makes it a popular site for recreational activities. There are…

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