August 13, 2024
Lake Apopka, Florida's fourth-largest lake, is experiencing a revival thanks to a four-decade, $200 million restoration effort led by the St. Johns River Water Management District and its partners. These restoration efforts, which focus on wetland restoration, phosphorus reduction and habitat enhancement, have achieved a 69% decline in phosphorus concentrations and a 93% increase in water clarity as of 2023.
August 14, 2024
After five consecutive months of below-average rainfall, July brought a much-needed increase in precipitation to the St. Johns River Water Management District's 18-county region. Eleven of these counties saw above-average rainfall, with northern and central areas benefiting the most. However, southern counties experienced a shortfall, including Brevard which was nearly 2.5 inches below compared to the July average.
August 20, 2024
The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 42-acre prescribed burn today at Newnans Lake Conservation Area in Alachua County. The burn will be located on the Hatchet Creek Tract near the property’s northern boundary. The burn’s purpose is to reduce hazardous fuel loads and maintain fire-dependent natural communities.
August 30, 2024
The St. Johns River Water Management District and Alachua County are pleased to announce the expansion of the Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area (LWCA). The District, a key steward of nearly 40,000 acres in Alachua County, has joined forces with Alachua County to acquire 156 acres adjacent to LWCA.
September 6, 2024
The District announces the temporary closure of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive beginning Sept. 6–8 due to localized flooding. The closure is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of visitors.
September 6, 2024
The District announces the temporary closure of the Palm Bluff Conservation Area beginning Sept. 9–16 for routine maintenance on the entrance road, which serves as the only access point to the property.
September 10, 2024
The St. Johns River Water Management District (District), in collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and the Natural Resource and Conservation Service, is continuing its support for sustainable agricultural practices in the St. Johns River Lower Basin and the Tri-County Agricultural Area (TCAA). The District has approved funding for multiple projects through the Tri-County Agricultural Area Water Management Partnership.
September 11, 2024
The St. Johns River Water Management District will perform maintenance at the Burrell and Apopka locks from Sept. 16 – 20 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
September 16, 2024
August rainfall marked a return to above-average levels across much of the St. Johns River Water Management District region. Early in the month, Hurricane Debby brought significant rain to northern and western counties, with typical summer rain patterns contributing throughout the rest of August.
September 25, 2024
With Hurricane Helene approaching Florida’s coast, the St. Johns River Water Management District's Emergency Operations Center is actively monitoring the storm and taking necessary precautions to protect public safety.
September 26, 2024
Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county region remains under a Tropical Storm Watch through late Thursday evening.
September 27, 2024
The District is reopening most of its lands and all navigational locks beginning Saturday, Sept. 28. This includes the popular Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, located on the District’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which will be open to vehicular traffic from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
September 30, 2024
The District has reopened the majority of its public lands and all navigational locks after Hurricane Helene, providing access for outdoor recreation.
October 3, 2024
A portion of Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area is undergoing sandhill restoration as part of the District’s long-term forest management and ecological restoration/enhancement plan. The 160-acre restoration area is in the sandhill west of the powerline corridor. Pile burning is anticipated to continue through summer 2025, and prescribed burns will be conducted on an 18- to 36-month cycle to keep the habitat healthy and to enhance native sandhill species. Learn more at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/black-creek-ravines.
October 4, 2024
Conrad Road, between Lust Road and the Lake Apopka Loop Trail, will be closed until further notice for contract work. The Loop Trail and Lust Road will remain open.