March 28, 2024

The District embarked on restoration of a hardwood forest, planting several hardwood species at its Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area. Prior to purchase by the District in 2015, the native hardwoods had been removed and the land used for timber production. The pine trees were harvested, the site was prepped and the District worked with a contractor to plant 17,000 live oaks, laurel oaks, water oaks, swamp chestnut oaks and southern magnolias throughout the 31-acre site.

Three men stowing saplings in a box
District Land Manager Paul Hudson (left) and Land Resource Specialists Ali Simpson and Kyle Madden (right) put hardwood seedlings in 5-gallon buckets to hold while planting.
Magnolia seedlings
Magnolia seedlings are one of the hardwood species being planted as part of the hardwood restoration at the District’s Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area.

March 12, 2024

The District reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Florida’s springs by marking the 11th consecutive year of designating April as Springs Protection Awareness Month. The proclamation was approved by the District’s Governing Board and emphasized the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the unique role of Florida’s springs and urges residents and stakeholders to actively contribute to their protection.

March 12, 2024

Highlighting its commitment to the preservation and sustainable use of Florida’s water resources, the District’s Governing Board proclaimed April 2024 as Water Conservation Month. This annual recognition, now in its 24th year, serves as a reminder of the critical role water conservation plays, particularly during the dry month of April when water demands escalate due to springtime planting.

Feb. 13, 2024

The Governing Board approved three land acquisitions that will provide additional protection for Florida’s water resources and extend recreational opportunities to the community. The acquisitions, totaling just over 270 acres in Flagler, Brevard and Putnam counties, contribute to the expansion of Pellicer Creek Conservation Area, River Lakes Conservation Area and Murphy Creek Conservation Area.

Feb. 1, 2024

Water conservation plays a vital role in protecting and ensuring the sustainability of Florida’s water supply. Small changes in everyday water use can have a huge impact on lowering water consumption. The District is taking advantage of these adjustments with its new water conservation rebate program. Through the innovative program, local governments and utilities that are in the District’s 18-county region are eligible to receive reimbursements of up to $10,000 for water conservation projects for non-agricultural use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jan. 19, 2024

Building on the momentum of the hurricane coordination meeting held in June 203 to address flooding issues identified post-Hurricane Ian when the entire region experienced historic amounts of rainfall. The meeting focused on coordination efforts between local entities, ongoing projects, flood modeling, and funding opportunities.

Tom Frick giving a presentation

Jan. 11, 2024

A major water resource development project in north Florida is well on its way to fruition. The Black Creek Water Resource Development Project achieved milestones to move the project toward completion, with construction of the pump station and intake structure construction underway. This regionally beneficial water resource development project of the District in Clay County will recharge the Upper Floridan aquifer and also benefit water levels in lakes Brooklyn and Geneva to help support their minimum flows and levels.

Aerial view of Pump Station construction
An aerial view shows ongoing construction of the pump motor control center building and pump station for the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project.
Empty construction lot
Construction progresses at the site of treatment cells where color and nutrients will be removed from the water prior to flowing into the Alligator Creek system near Keystone Heights.
24-inch black pipes
Sections of 24-inch ductile iron pipe that will be used to convey water from the Black Creek surface water intake to the pump station are lined up in a staging area prior to installation as part of the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project.
Stretch of newly planted grass by a road
A section of State Road 21 where installation of the 30-inch ductile iron raw water transmission piping has been completed.