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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…
The purpose of the Agricultural and Green Industry Advisory Committee (AGIAC) is to provide professional and technical input into District programs and activities. This includes regulatory programs, rule revisions, water conservation activities, water resource planning, water resource and supply development projects, research and other water resource management projects that relate to the agricultural and green industries. Subject matter considered by the…
The District encourages water conservation by partnering with local governments to provide high-efficiency toilet rebate programs.Most offer up to a $100 rebate when residents replace inefficient toilets with high-efficiency models. The District splits the cost with participating local governments and utilities. Commercial/institutional properties could also be eligible for a grant from the District’s WISE program.To find out more…
The purpose of the Industrial, Commercial & Institutional Advisory Committee (ICIAC) is to provide professional and technical input into District programs and activities. This includes regulatory programs, rule revisions, water conservation activities, water resource planning, water resource and supply development projects, research and other water resource management projects that relate to the environment. Subject matter considered by the ICIAC shall relate to 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…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) invites the public to a virtual workshop Thursday, Nov. 13, at 5:30 p.m. to collect public comment on the proposed minimum levels for Lake Angelo and Lake Denton in Highlands County.Members of the public may register to join prior to the workshop at https://bit.ly/LakesAD…
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…
View Current Openings »Dive in, explore your potential, and commit to a cause that matters — for today and generations to come. Are you seeking an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals? Want to build a foundation now for a career of substance in your future? Then…
Project OverviewAs part of the community effort to restore Kings Bay, the Southwest Florida Water Management District conducted a pilot project to restore eelgrass in Hunters Cove, a 10-acre area surrounding Hunter Springs. Eelgrass, once abundant in Kings Bay, is a native aquatic plant critical to improving water quality and sustaining beneficial fish and wildlife habitat.BackgroundA characteristic of most Florida springs is dense submerged aquatic…
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…
Level 3 Activation – MONITORING ONLYEither a specific situation has been detected that must be monitored or a general state of monitoring exists, as during the hurricane season. The District’s Incident Commander and key Emergency Operations Organization staff monitor the situation during normal business hours and under normal operating conditions.Level 2 Activation – PARTIAL ACTIVATIONA situation expands to a point whereby the District may be adversely affected…
With nearly 30 percent of the watershed being conservation lands, there are many opportunities for recreation throughout the Withlacoochee River watershed. Many people enjoy visiting public conservation lands obtained by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and its partners to protect Florida’s water resources. The lands are open to the public for family activities such as hiking, bicycling, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, camping, nature study, paddling…
About the ProgramThe purpose of the Wetland Assessment Procedure (WAP) is to characterize the ongoing biological condition and health of wetlands by collecting information on vegetation, hydrology, soils, and other pertinent variables in monitored wetlands to accurately characterize the ongoing biological condition and health of each wetland.The WAP was developed from data collection and analysis performed during 2000-2002 and 2004. The current method was finalized…
It’s morning on the Peace River. Life comes to the river, and the river comes to life...
One may hear the cry of a limpkin or see little blue herons wade with outstretched wings.
Slider turtles balance on a tree snag, while alligators creep nearby.
It’s a scene repeated daily.
The river is of importance to more than wildlife too.
People have used the river for thousands of years. The Native Americans…
The Starkey Wilderness Preserve is one of the largest undeveloped tracts in Pasco County and protects sensitive environmental areas in the fast-growing western portion of Pasco County. The preserve consists of three tracts:
- Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
- Serenova Tract
- Anclote River Ranch…
The Fraud and Compliance Hotline is an anonymous hotline to report fraudulent, unethical or other dishonest behavior.The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) provides an anonymous hotline to report fraudulent, unethical or other dishonest behavior.The District defines fraud as involving a willful or deliberate act or omission with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit, service, property or something of value by deception, misrepresentation or…
Weeki Wachee Springs has an extensive underwater cave system and is known for its world-famous mermaids. About the SpringsThe Weeki Wachee River is a first-magnitude spring system originating in Hernando County. The headspring is home to …
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will open Phase 2 hog hunt registration Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 9 a.m. The District holds a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the feral hog population.What you need to know about Phase 2 hunts:
- Phase 2 will include six hunts that occur throughout January 2026.
- Permits are no longer transferable.
- The single top producer on each hunt of Phase 2 will be placed…