webmaster, Author at SJRWMD
November 14, 2025

Planning for Central Florida’s Water Future: District Approves Regional Water Supply Plan

Water touches all aspects of life in central Florida, from homes and businesses to communities and the economy, and the rivers, lakes and springs that define who we are. To ensure this vital resource remains sustainable for people and the environment, the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) and its partners are planning ahead for the region’s growing needs.
February 17, 2026

Prescribed fire at J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area helps reduce wildfire risk amid dry conditions

The District is conducting a 100-acre prescribed burn today south of the field station at J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area in Clay County to reduce hazardous fuel loads, lower the risk of wildfire and maintain fire-dependent natural communities.
March 16, 2026

Burn ban – Several counties

Brevard, Orange, and Seminole counties have enacted a countywide outdoor burn ban due to dry conditions and increased wildfire risk. Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning, unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service, is prohibited, including on District lands. This includes bonfires, campfires, and cooking fires. Outdoor cooking done with a contained gas or charcoal grill (excluding a fire pit) is allowed under the ban. Local burn bans are enacted by county governments. To see current county-enacted burn bans, please visit: Burn Ban Public Dashboard
May 4, 2026

Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area

An area within the Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area (see map) is undergoing a pine thinning. Tree stand densities are high, and the purpose of the thinning is to remove diseased, defective and suppressed trees to create openings in the canopy, freeing up growing space for the healthiest trees. Please use caution when accessing the property for recreation, including hunting (quota permit required).  Work is anticipated to continue through May 15, 2027.
May 4, 2026

Orange Creek Restoration Area

An area within the Orange Creek Restoration Area (see map) is undergoing a pine thinning. Tree stand densities are high, and the purpose of the thinning is to remove diseased, defective and suppressed trees to create openings in the canopy, freeing up growing space for the healthiest trees. Please use caution when accessing the property for recreation, including hunting. The contract allows the work to be conducted through April 1, 2027.  
May 4, 2026

Pellicer Creek Conservation Area

An area within the Pellicer Creek Conservation Area (see map) is undergoing a pine thinning. Tree stand densities are high, and the purpose of the thinning is to remove diseased, defective and suppressed trees to create openings in the canopy, freeing up growing space for the healthiest trees. Please use caution when accessing the property for recreation. The contract allows the work to be conducted through April 13, 2027.  
May 5, 2026

Regional partners convene to strengthen hurricane preparedness and flood management in central Florida

Ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season, key partners in hurricane preparedness and flood management gathered at the Central Florida Coordination meeting hosted by the District.
July 20, 2026

Recent rainfall provides limited improvement as drought conditions persist

Drought conditions continued across portions of the St. Johns River Water Management District in June, as rainfall remained below average throughout much of the region. Recent rains provided limited improvements in some areas, but most counties experiencing drought continue to record rainfall deficits and below-normal groundwater levels. The District continues to monitor hydrologic conditions and assess drought impacts to support water conservation efforts and protect water resources.
September 21, 2026

Rainfall brings some relief, but water resource recovery remains ongoing

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. 
October 14, 2026

September brings variable rainfall across the District

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 20, 2026

Lake Apopka North Shore closures

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.
October 22, 2026

District to Host Southern Recreation Public Meeting

The public is invited to attend the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Northern Recreation Meeting, Nov. 3, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at District Headquarters in Palatka. The purpose of this meeting is to collect input from stakeholders and members of the public regarding recreational use of the District’s conservation lands in the northern recreation area. The northern recreation area includes Alachua, Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Marion, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties and 18 District properties.
October 23, 2026

Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area

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.
October 23, 2026

Sunnyhill Restoration Area

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.
October 23, 2026

Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area

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.