September 10, 2026
August brought a return to more typical summer rainfall patterns across the St. Johns River Water Management District. While rainfall totals varied considerably across the region, several inland counties received above-average rainfall, helping improve conditions in some previously dry areas.
September 16, 2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) will host a public meeting on the draft 2026 Lower St. Johns River Basin Plan. District staff will present updated regional priorities and objectives and provide an opportunity for questions and public comments.
September 18, 2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Northern Recreation Public Meeting is scheduled for 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The meeting will be held in person at the District’s Headquarters Executive Building, Governing Board Room, located at 4049 Reid St., Palatka, FL 32177.
September 24, 2026
Buffer Preserve Drive will be closed to public access on weekdays from October 5 through November 5 to allow for roadway repairs.
During this period, visitors will not be able to access St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park from the Babcock entrance on weekdays. The area will remain accessible on weekends unless otherwise noted.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as these improvements are completed to help maintain safe access to the preserve.
September 25, 2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Southern Recreational Public Meeting is scheduled for 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The meeting will be held at the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Palm Bay Service Center, Blue Cypress Room, 525 Community College Parkway SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909.
September 25, 2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Northern Recreation Public Meeting is scheduled for 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The meeting will be held in person at the District’s Headquarters Executive Building, Governing Board Room, located at 4049 Reid St., Palatka, FL 32177.
October 2, 2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District has opened the public comment period for the draft 2026 Lower St. Johns River Basin Plan.
October 7, 2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) will temporarily close the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive to motorized vehicles from Oct. 9–12 due to heavy rainfall and saturated road conditions.
October 13, 2026
Palatka, Fla. Oct. 13, 2026 — Agencies and community organizations from across northeast Florida came together for Tide Fest, a regional celebration held as part of National Estuaries Week. Hosted by the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR), the collaborative event brought together agencies, educators, community organizations with students and families to learn about estuaries and the important role they play in Florida’s environment.
October 13, 2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) invites the public to attend the Central Recreation Public Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the District’s Apopka Service Center, Econ Conference Room, located at 2501 S. Binion Road, Apopka, Fla. 32703.
October 14, 2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District announces a public hearing for the Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area located in St. Augustine, Florida. The hearing is scheduled for 5:00-6:45 PM on Thursday, November 19th, 2026 and will be held at the St. Johns County Public Library Main Branch 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32084. The purpose of this hearing is to receive public comment regarding considerations for the District’s ten-year Land Management Plan for the Conservation Area.
