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Following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ directions to reduce public gatherings and practice social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on April 14 through teleconference.

The district is following continuing guidance from the state of Florida and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and taking proactive measures to protect staff and the public.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is taking steps to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of its staff and the public. Effective today, all locations will be open only to employees.

The district’s Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive will be closed as a precaution this evening and will remain closed until further notice in response to concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus commonly referred to as COVID-19.

The district is hosting the Gainesville chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for FWC’s annual youth turkey hunt March 13–14 and women’s hunt on April 4–5 on portions of the district’s Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and the Newnans Lake Conservation Area in Alachua County.

For the seventh consecutive year, the district’s Governing Board has approved a proclamation designating April as Springs Protection Awareness Month.

The district is conducting a 170-acre prescribed burn Tuesday at Buck Lake Conservation Area in Brevard County.

Most of the St. Johns River Water Management District is seeing dry conditions, with 16 of its 18 counties experiencing a 12-month rainfall deficit, including three counties with a 10-inch rainfall deficit.

The district is conducting an 820-acre prescribed burn Wednesday at Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area in Indian River County.

The district is conducting a 72-acre prescribed burn Wednesday at the Heart Island Conservation Area north of State Road 17 along Deep Creek, in Volusia County.

With the change of the seasons, the district’s year-long #WaterLess campaign has shifted to focus on springtime watering needs and a timely reminder to give your sprinkler system a checkup.

With land clearing underway for the First Coast Expressway along State Road (SR) 16 in Clay County, the district will be relocating the SR 16 entrance and trailhead at its Bayard Conservation Area.

The district is conducting a 1,400-acre prescribed burn Friday at the Bayard Conservation Area in Clay County, north of Bayard Road and east of Pearl Road in the northeast portion of the property.

The district is conducting a 785-acre prescribed burn Friday at the Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area from Fish Camp Road south to Lake Lochloosa, east of Watson Prairie, in Alachua County.

The district is conducting an 839-acre prescribed burn Friday at the Heart Island Conservation Area in Volusia County, about a mile south of the intersection of State Road 40 and Chesser Hammock Road.

The district is conducting a 400-acre prescribed burn Friday at Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area in Indian River County, on the western side of the property.

The district is conducting two prescribed burns Monday in Marion County.

The district is conducting a 900-acre prescribed burn Saturday within the Lake Apopka North Shore, west of Lake Level Canal Road.

The district is conducting a 50-acre prescribed fire Wednesday at the Bayard Conservation Area in Clay County.

The district is conducting a 155-acre burn Wednesday on the River Styx Tract of Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve, on the far western portion of the property near the Grove Park Water Management Area. The purpose of the burn is to maintain fire-dependent ecosystems and reduce wildland fuel loads.

The district is conducting a 39-acre prescribed fire Tuesday at the Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve, just south of the district’s Hawthorne field station, in Alachua County.

The district is conducting a 64-acre prescribed fire Tuesday at the Lake Monroe Conservation Area in Volusia County. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and maintain fire-dependent ecosystems.

A portion of the district’s Lake Apopka Loop Trail will be temporarily closed from Tuesday, Feb. 18, through Thursday, Feb. 20. The closure is due to construction of a restoration project and is necessary to ensure public safety as the district anticipates heavy equipment in the area. Visitors during these days should follow detour signs.

The district’s Governing Board today approved an interlocal agreement with Brevard County for a project that will capture thousands of pounds of nutrients annually before they can reach the Indian River Lagoon and will restore clean water to the St. Johns River.

January kicked off the year with below-average rainfall across the entire 18-county St. Johns River Water Management District, adding to a rainfall deficit for the past 12 months.

A land management update and the Upper St. Johns River Basin project are among the items to be discussed Feb. 20 during the district’s Southern Recreational Public Meeting.

The district Board will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, at district headquarters in Palatka.

The district is conducting a 57-acre prescribed burn Wednesday at the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, near the trailhead on Lake Pickett Road, in Orange County. Recreational trails will be closed during the burn to ensure public safety. The purpose of the burn is to maintain fire-dependent ecosystems and reduce wildland fuel loads.

The district is conducting a 115-acre prescribed burn Wednesday at the Heart Island Conservation Area in Volusia County, north of State Road 40 and west of State Road 11 on Chesser Hammock Road. The purpose of the burn is to maintain fire-dependent ecosystems and reduce wildland fuel loads.

A $7.3 million partnership project between the city of Cocoa Beach, Brevard County, the district and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) will remove 200,000 cubic yards of muck from 12 canals in the Banana River Lagoon — and along with it,189,000 pounds of total nitrogen and 115,800 pounds of total phosphorus.

The district is conducting a 307-acre prescribed burn on Tuesday at the Heart Island Conservation Area in Volusia County, north of State Road 40 and west of State Road 11.

The district is conducting an 84-acre prescribed burn Tuesday at the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, north of the main entrance, in Orange County.

The district is conducting a 103-acre prescribed fire on Newnans Lake Conservation Area on the northern portion of the property, along the boundary with Austin Cary Memorial Forest.

The district and North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) have partnered on the conservation of 578 acres with three miles of riverfront on the north shore of Black Creek.

The district has closed public access to levees near the water control structure known as S-96C in the headwaters of the St. Johns River in Indian River County.

The district today hosted a preview visit to Lake Apopka highlighting a project that will soon use innovative technology to remove phosphorus and continue improving the lake’s water quality. The technology was successfully tested in 2017 on the Lake Apopka North Shore. Following a competitive bid process, this new project is the next step toward securing further water quality benefits for Lake Apopka.

District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle today joined student-scientists benefiting from the district’s Blue School Grant Program as they began field research testing water quality along the St. Johns River at Julington-Durbin Preserve.

The district Governing Board today approved an agreement with Clay County Utility Authority (CCUA) to convert up to 79 septic tanks to central sewer on properties adjacent to Doctors Lake.

December brought above-average rain across most of the 18 counties of the district, increasing lake levels in the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin and groundwater levels in the Floridan aquifer.

The district has closed the Harris Bayou Spillway, and flow at the Burrell and Moss Bluff dams has been reduced to base flow and should not adversely affect downstream areas.

Construction has begun on the highly anticipated boat ramp and recreation facility at Headwaters Lake, located at the north end of the district’s Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA) in Indian River County.

The district Board will hold its first regular monthly meeting of 2020 on Monday, Jan. 13, at district headquarters in Palatka.

The district will hold two public teleconferences Jan. 21 to discuss peer review findings for surface water models for Lake Apshawa in Lake County and Sylvan Lake in Seminole County, both located within the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) area.

Recent heavy rainfall combined with seasonal high lake levels in the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin (UORB) has prompted the district to temporarily open the Harris Bayou Spillway and to maximize flows through three of the five water control structures on the chain of lakes.

The District and Putnam County have completed a $2.5 million cost-share project to replace the Paradise Point wastewater treatment plant, reducing nutrient loading to Dunns Creek and protecting water quality in the St. Johns River system.

The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board on Tuesday approved two projects in Flagler County to share $1 million in district cost-share funds for economically disadvantaged communities or innovative technologies.

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board voted today to buy one of the few remaining undeveloped parcels in the area between State Road 46 and the district’s existing Buck Lake boundary.

Although November rainfall was average or below-average across much of the St. Johns River Water Management District, groundwater in the Floridan aquifer system remained in the normal to high range for much of the 18-county region.

The district is asking homeowners across its 18-county region help save a billion gallons of water this winter by joining in the annual statewide “Skip a Week” campaign. During the cooler months of December, January and February, lawns and landscapes typically need less water.

The district is hosting the Gainesville chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for its annual youth and women’s deer hunts Dec. 6–8 on portions of the Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and the Newnans Lake Conservation Area in Alachua County.

For the 15th consecutive year, the St. Johns River Water Management District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its fiscal year 2017-2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

The St. Johns River Water Management District will hold two public meetings on Dec. 3 to discuss initial peer review comments on the surface water models for Lake Apshawa in Lake County and Sylvan Lake in Seminole County, both located within the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) area.

The district Governing Board on Tuesday approved moving forward with contracts for two agricultural projects that will reduce water use by 1.41 million gallons per day and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus.

After a dry September, October brought rain across most of the 18 counties of the district, keeping groundwater levels in the Floridan aquifer high.

The district is hosting the Gainesville chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for its annual youth and women’s deer hunts Nov. 8–10 and Dec. 6–8 on portions of the Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and the Newnans Lake Conservation Area in Alachua County.

The district’s Sunnyhill Restoration Area will host wounded veterans in an Operation Outdoor Freedom guided deer hunt Nov. 5–7. A portion of the property, located in Marion County, will close for the event.

Starting Sunday, Nov. 3, homeowners and businesses will fall back to once-a-week landscape irrigation across the 18 counties of the St. Johns River Water Management District. Nov. 3 is the day that Eastern Standard Time begins.

Today, the district helped celebrate the completion of Osprey Acres Stormwater Park, Indian River County’s newest recreational and environmental oasis engineered to capture nutrients before they reach the Indian River Lagoon.

The district has launched a year-long “Water Less” campaign to help raise awareness about water conservation and communicate easy ways to integrate outdoor water conservation into Floridians’ daily lives.

The district is hosting a public meeting to discuss updates to land management and recreation across Lake, Orange and Seminole counties as well as portions of Marion, Volusia and Brevard counties.

A land management update and the Upper St. Johns River Basin project are among the items to be discussed Oct. 17 during the district’s Southern Recreational Public Meeting.

The district’s Governing Board awarded a contract Tuesday for construction services for a water quality project at the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore.

Thirteen agricultural projects will share in $1.56 million from the district to improve water conservation and reduce nutrient loading to area waterways.

Typically one of Florida’s wettest months of the year, this September was drier on average, according to data collected by the district, and drought conditions are developing in north Florida, with Baker County experiencing severe drought.

Boaters in central Florida will be in for a pleasant surprise this week if they visit the navigational locks on the Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes.

The district will hold two public meetings on Oct. 22 to kick off the peer review process of surface water models.

Fourteen schools are receiving grant funding from the district’s Blue School Grant Program for projects to enhance student development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday adopted its fiscal year 2019-2020 budget, which reduces the millage rate for taxpayers for a seventh consecutive year. The $158 million budget continues to provide significant funds for water resource protection and cost-share projects to ensure sustainable water resources, increase water conservation and protect water quality in springs and other priority water bodies.

Clay County Utility Authority and the district joined Sen. Rob Bradley and Rep. Travis Cummings on Tuesday in a ground-breaking ceremony for an innovative pilot project to remove phosphorus from treated wastewater.

Data collected by the district shows August 2019 rainfall was above average districtwide. Additionally, in a flipflop of recent months, Indian River County, which has been below average for many months, had the highest countywide rainfall total, with 10.2 inches.

The bistrict’s Governing Board Tuesday approved purchasing a 60-acre borrow pit near Volusia Blue Spring for a strategic partnership project that will allow wetland treatment

The district is accepting applications through Oct. 19 for Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities and innovative projects to share in cost-share funding that supports the agency’s water resource protection mission.

The district has reopened all of its conservation lands to public recreation following Hurricane Dorian, except for the island portion of Murphy Creek Conservation Area.

The district has extended the application period for Blue School Grant project proposals to Sept. 11 due to school closures caused by Hurricane Dorian.

The district is working to reopen conservation lands to public recreation following Hurricane Dorian. Openings occur after district staff complete a safety assessment of recreational access points, levees, trails and boat ramps.

The district is reopening the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for regular operating hours Sept. 6.

A summary of the district’s current status of operations.

With Hurricane Dorian pushing past Florida’s east coast, two public workshops will move forward as scheduled.

A summary of the district’s current status of operations

A summary of the district’s current status of operations.

A summary of the district’s current status of operations

A summary of the district’s current status of operations.

When hurricanes and other storms bring high volumes of rain in short periods of time, flooding can result. The district’s water control structures in the Upper St. Johns River Basin (USJRB) and Upper Ocklawaha River Basin (UORB) are important federal flood protection projects.

The district will close all its public lands districtwide at noon on Saturday, Aug. 31, in advance of Hurricane Dorian to ensure public and land management staff safety.

As Florida’s east coast prepares for potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian, the district reminds northeast and east-central Floridians to bookmark its storm webpages for easy access to flooding information

The district’s Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive will be closed from Aug. 30–Sept. 2. The closure is necessary to ensure public safety in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian.

As Tropical Storm Dorian approaches Florida early next week, likely as a hurricane, the district reminds property owners to be prepared for the storm’s heavy rains by cleaning debris from storm drains and reporting clogged ditches to local governments in advance of the storm.

The district will hold two public workshops, including a joint workshop with Southwest and South Florida water management districts, on the draft 2019 minimum flows and levels priority list and schedule.

The district’s Lake George gizzard shad harvest removed approximately 5,176 lbs. of phosphorus and 13,192 lbs. of nitrogen from the largest lake in the St. Johns River system, located in Marion, Lake, Volusia and Putnam counties.

The district’s Office of Communications was recently honored by the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) with a Golden Image Award for its Blue Schools Grant Program video.

A mobile application developed by the district’s Office of Information Technology recently earned recognition for its innovative use of technology.

Data collected by the St. Johns River Water Management District shows July 2019 rainfall was above average in most areas of north and central Florida, but some coastal areas, particularly in the southern portion of the district, were drier.

The district will host a teleconference to discuss the selection of surface water model peer reviewers in support of the MFLs determination for Lake Apshawa South and Sylvan Lake.

The district will hold a community meeting to exchange information with people interested in the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project Restoration Project

Teachers have just one more month, until Sept. 6, to apply for a Blue School Grant for education projects to enhance student knowledge about Florida’s water resources.

Work is underway to plant about 5,000 leafy “burritos” in Lake Apopka to help protect water quality. The district is partnering with the University of Florida on the project to determine the best planting techniques and strategies.

The district is conducting a 107-acre prescribed burn Tuesday at the north end of Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area in Alachua County, along Fish Camp Road.

The district and the city of Titusville are partnering on a state-of-the-art stormwater “baffle box” that will capture hundreds of pounds of nutrients annually before they can reach the Indian River Lagoon.

PALM BAY, Fla., July 17, 2019 — A land management update and the Upper St. Johns River Basin project are among the items to be discussed July 24 during the district’s Southern Recreational Public Meeting.

The district’s Governing Board approved a pair of agreements for construction of a 2.78-mile paved, multi-use trail in Orange and Lake counties.

With nearly 1,500 lakes within its boundaries, the district’s Governing Board on Tuesday recognized July 2019 as Lakes Appreciation Month.

Data collected in June by the district show groundwater conditions somewhat mirror the varied rainfall patterns measured across the district during the previous three months.

The district’s Governing Board Tuesday approved a tentative budget that reduces the millage rate for taxpayers for a seventh consecutive year.

Anglers rejoice! The process to build the Headwaters Lake boat ramp at the Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA) took another step forward after the district’s Governing Board

Two cities recently completed projects that will bring reclaimed water service to 349 existing households in central Florida.

The district is accepting applications through Aug. 16 from farmers interested in participating in cost-share funding for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and improve water quality in area waterways.

Annual water use reporting conducted by the district shows that 2018 total water use was 7 percent lower than 2017 and 11 percent below the 10-year average

Below-average rainfall persisted throughout the district throughout May, with the greatest deficit in the northern counties.

The district Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on June 11 at district headquarters in Palatka. The full board meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Governing Board Room.

Now entering the fourth year of its Blue School Grant Program, the district anticipates offering up to $20,000 in grants for education projects that enhance student knowledge of Florida’s water resources through hands-on learning.

With the arrival of hurricane season on June 1, the district is more than ready for the worst Mother Nature may dish up this storm season.

The district has recently completed dredging to create a 2,000-foot-wide sump, or depression, on the bottom of Lake Apopka.

PALATKA, Fla., May 22, 2019 ― Updates on land management and recreation activities will be discussed May 23 during the district’s Northern Recreational Public Meeting.

The district Governing Board today approved $450,000 in funding for gizzard shad harvesting from Lake George, part of the St. Johns River system in Putnam and Volusia counties.

While central and northern regions of the district received typical rainfall for April, below-average rainfall persisted in the southern third of the district.

The district, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), state and local elected officials, and Indian River Lagoon protection advocates gathered today to celebrate the completion of a two-year-long muck dredging project in the Eau Gallie River aimed at improving water quality.

The district Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on May 14 off-site at the Canaveral Port Authority headquarters in Cape Canaveral. While governing board meetings are routinely held at district headquarters in Palatka, the board holds periodic off-site meetings to be more accessible to the public and enhance transparency in district business.

The district, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, state and local elected officials and Indian River Lagoon protection advocates will celebrate the completion of muck dredging from the Eau Gallie River in Melbourne.

To help promote and encourage efficient use of reclaimed water, the district’s Governing Board has approved a resolution proclaiming May 19-25 as Florida Water Reuse Week.

Vendors small and large are invited to an outreach event on May 9 to learn how to do business with the district.

The district has published its Annual Wetland Activities Report, showing that 449,135 acres of wetlands have been created, protected, enhanced or restored by the district since 1989. This is equivalent to more than 700 square miles of wetlands.

Navigational access near the mouth of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal may be limited as the district enters the final stages of a sump dredge project designed to help improve water quality in Lake Apopka. Additional dredging will also improve navigational access in the area.

Data collected by the district shows that March rainfall was below average districtwide, with a zone of very low rainfall in Lake, Marion and portions of Volusia County. A full report outlining changing hydrological conditions was presented at today’s Governing Board meeting.

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday approved moving forward with contracts for eight diverse agricultural projects, totaling nearly $1.3 million in cost-share funds, that will reduce water use by 1.53 million gallons per day and reduce nutrient loading in the Tri County Agricultural Area (TCAA) of Putnam, St. Johns and Flagler counties.

Twenty-one projects in 10 counties will share in nearly $16.2 million for construction of water supply and water conservation, water quality improvement and flood protection projects. The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday approved the project ranking for the fiscal year 2019–2020 Annual Districtwide Cost-share Program.

The district and Volusia County have completed construction of a stormwater treatment facility that will improve water quality in the Halifax River and reduce flooding to a 129-acre area.

The district is hosting the Gainesville chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for its women’s turkey hunt April 5-7 on portions of the Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and the Newnans Lake Conservation Area in Alachua County.

Work is underway to reconstruct about 4.4 miles of levee at the Lake Apopka North Shore. This levee not only serves as a separator between Lake Apopka and the North Shore but is also part of the district’s recreational Lake Apopka Loop Trail.

Five years after construction, the district’s Sawgrass Lake Water Management Area (SLWMA) – part of Phase 1 of the C-1 Flow Restoration Project (C-1 Project) – continues to provide outstanding benefit to both the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River by restoring previously diverted stormwater flows back to their natural basin.

If you’re looking for a quick get-a-way for spring break but don’t want to break the bank, then lands owned by the district offer the perfect one-tank stay-cation.

Data collected by the district shows rainfall during February was below average in all areas except Brevard County and parts of Osceola County. A full report outlining changing hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s March Governing Board meeting, in addition to a proclamation designating April as Water Conservation Month.

For the sixth consecutive year, the district’s Governing Board has approved a proclamation designating April as Springs Protection Awareness Month. The annual designation helps increase awareness about the importance of Florida’s springs and encourages residents and stakeholders to participate in the protection of springs.

With more than 600,000 cubic yards of muck already removed from the Eau Gallie River in Melbourne, the district is scheduled to embark on the final leg of dredging on March 11.

A partnership between the district, city of Apopka and Orange Audubon Society is bringing a new community birding park to the Lake Apopka North Shore.

Portions of recreational trails at the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore will close as work to reconstruct about 4.4 miles of levee begins March 4. This levee not only serves as a separator between Lake Apopka and the North Shore but is also part of the district’s recreational Lake Apopka Loop Trail.

A land management update and the Upper St. Johns River Basin project are among the items to be discussed Feb. 21 during the district’s Southern Recreational Public Meeting.

The seasonal wildlife drive at the district’s Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area will reopen this week.

The district’s Governing Board has approved a contract for work to reconstruct about 4.7 miles of levee on the east side of the Lake Apopka North Shore, between Magnolia Park and Laughlin Road.

Thirteen agricultural projects will share in $1.2 million from the District to improve water conservation and reduce the amount of nutrients flowing into area waterways. The district’s Governing Board approved the project ranking at Tuesday’s meeting.

Rainfall during January 2019 was above average across the 18 counties of the district. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s February Governing Board meeting, held offsite today at the University of Central Florida.

The district and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are partnering to open Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area in Marion County as a Public Small-Game Hunting Area this year, with the intent to convert it to a Wildlife Management Area in the future. More than 65 percent of the district’s conservation lands are open to hunting.

The district will offer stakeholders and residents an opportunity to see the “marsh buggy” excavating equipment up close at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in Flagler Beach on Jan. 28 at 1:30 p.m. This excavator is specialized equipment that will be used to return dragline ditch spoil mounds to wetland elevation in the Flagler County Wetland Restoration Project.

Data collected by the district shows rainfall during December 2018 as a mixed bag depending on whether you live in north or central Florida or in the district’s southernmost counties. Rainfall was above average in most areas, except for a zone of below-average rainfall in the district’s southernmost counties.

The district is reminding homeowners across its 18-county region about the “Skip a Week” campaign to save water. During the cooler months of December, January and February, weekly irrigation isn’t always needed.

A three-phase septic-to-sewer and stormwater treatment project in Merritt Island will benefit water quality in the Indian River Lagoon —— including Banana River Lagoon —thanks in large part to a cost-share grant from the district.

The district will hold its regular monthly Governing Board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at its Palatka headquarters.

The district’s Crescent Lake Conservation Area will host veteran’s group Operation Outdoor Freedom for a guided deer hunt Jan. 7-11. The property will remain open to recreation during this time; signage about the hunt will be placed at property entry points.

The district is accepting applications through Feb. 15 to share in cost-share funding for water supply, water quality, natural systems and flood protection construction projects.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Friday presented a $2.45 million check to the St. Johns River Water Management District toward a project to clean up Melbourne’s Crane Creek, a tributary of the Indian River Lagoon.

The district Governing Board on Tuesday approved the ranking of projects to share in up to $2.83 million in cost-share funds to benefit water resources in Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities and for projects that use innovative technology to provide data supporting future permitting and full-scale implementation of alternative water supplies.

The district’s Governing Board voted Tuesday to transfer its Edgefield property, including the Dog Branch Regional Stormwater Treatment Facility, to Putnam County. The transfer will help Putnam County meet its obligation under state water quality rules to reduce nutrients entering the St. Johns River.

Data collected by the district shows rainfall during November was above average in most areas, except for a zone of below-average rainfall in the district’s southernmost counties. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s December Governing Board meeting.

The district is asking homeowners across its 18-county region to join the statewide “Skip a Week” campaign to save water during the cooler months of December, January and February when weekly irrigation isn’t always needed.

The district is hosting the Gainesville chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for its youth deer hunt Dec. 1–2 on portions of the Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and the Newnans Lake Conservation Area in Alachua County.

A small section of the Three Forks Trail in Indian River County will be closed until June due to a construction project in the Upper St. Johns River Basin.

The district’s Seminole Ranch Conservation Area will host veteran’s group Operation Outdoor Freedom for a guided deer hunt Nov. 27–29. The property will remain open to recreation during this time; signage about the hunt will be placed at property entry points.

Thanks to a $51,000 award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), habitat improvements will occur at district properties: Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park in Orange County, Lake Monroe Conservation Area in Volusia County and Pellicer Creek Conservation Area in Flagler County. The district will provide matching funds and in-kind services.

The district has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its fiscal year 2016-2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. District Accounting Director Greg Rockwell also was recognized.

The district Governing Board voted this week to award contracts for water quality projects at Doctors Lake in Clay County and at Lake Apopka in Orange and Lake counties. Projects at each lake will utilize innovative technology to remove phosphorus.

The district’s Governing Board will maintain its current slate of officers to serve in the same capacity for another year. Officers are John A. Miklos of Orlando, board chairman; Fred N. Roberts Jr. of Ocala, vice chairman; Charles “Chuck” Drake of Orlando, secretary; and Ron Howse of Cocoa, treasurer.

The district data for October shows the month’s rainfall was below average, except for a zone of above-average rainfall along the central coast. The data provided a snapshot of rainfall and surface water conditions across the district’s 18-county service area to the district’s Governing Board Tuesday.

The district is hosting the Gainesville chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for its youth deer hunt Nov.10–11 on portions of the Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and the Newnans Lake Conservation Area in Alachua County.

The district’s Sunnyhill Restoration Area in Marion County will host veteran’s group Operation Outdoor Freedom for a guided deer hunt Nov. 6–8.

Be sure to reset the timer on your irrigation controller when changing your clocks this weekend to mark the end of daylight saving time. The time change corresponds with the semi-annual shift in watering restrictions ensuring the efficient use of water for landscape irrigation across the district. Following irrigation rules helps protect our water resources and can save you money.

The Moss Bluff Lock has reopened to boat traffic following maintenance and repair work. The district operates three locks and dams in its 18-county service area to help manage lake levels.

The district’s Southern recreational public meeting has been postponed. The public meeting was originally scheduled for Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. A new date will be announced as soon as possible.

On Nov. 7, the district will hold the second of two community meetings to share information with stakeholders interested in the Flagler County Wetland Restoration Project. The location of the meeting has changed to ensure there is ample seating — the new location will comfortably seat nearly 1,000 people.

The district is accepting applications through Nov. 30 from farmers interested in participating in cost-share funding for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and improve water quality in area waterways.

The district recently presented data that provided a snapshot of rainfall, aquifer and surface water conditions across the district’s 18-county service area.

Group camping reservations on St. Johns River Water Management District land just got easier. The district is now using Sunrise Reservations to ensure faster turnaround times for group camping reservations and vehicular access to designated properties.

Fourteen schools are receiving grant funding from the district’s Blue School Grant Program for projects to enhance student development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related topics. Thirty-seven teachers applied for funding this year and of them the top 14 projects were selected.

On Oct. 4, the St. Johns River Water Management District will hold the first of two community meetings to exchange information with stakeholders interested in the Flagler County Wetland Restoration Project, a project designed to increase the amount of wetland area, which increases productivity and provides valuable habitat.

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday adopted its fiscal year 2018-2019 budget, which reduces the millage rate for taxpayers for a sixth consecutive year.

The district will hold two community meetings to exchange information with stakeholders interested in the Flagler County Wetland Restoration Project, a project designed to increase the amount of wetland area, which increases productivity and provides valuable habitat.

The district will hold a public meeting and field site tour, kicking off the Wekiva Basin Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) surface water model peer review.

Construction is underway in Mascotte to replace about 2.5 miles of aging water main. The district provided $500,000 for the project, as part of a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) cost-share grant. The project will be constructed in two phases and help prevent water loss caused by breaks in the water main.

The district will hold two public workshops, including a joint workshop with Southwest and South Florida water management districts, on the draft 2018 minimum flows and levels priority list and schedule.

The district is hosting a public meeting to discuss updates to land management and recreation on district lands in Lake, Orange and Seminole counties as well as portions of Marion, Volusia and Brevard counties. The meeting will also include an opportunity for public comment.

The district Governing Board on Tuesday approved moving forward with contracts for three agricultural projects, totaling nearly $525,500 in cost-share funds, that will reduce water use by 109 million gallons per year and reduce nutrient loading in the Tri County Agricultural Area (TCAA) of Putnam, St. Johns and Flagler counties.

As we enter into the peak of hurricane season, we want all residents to have access to the information they need to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe. Florida is especially vulnerable to flooding, given its location and many waterways, and that means Floridians must plan and prepare to weather the inevitable storms.

The district is accepting applications through Oct. 18 for Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities and innovative projects to share in cost-share funding that supports the agency’s water resource protection mission.

As a tropical wave is forecast to approach Florida over the Labor Day weekend, district staff are closely monitoring water levels in the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers and advising homeowners to prepare for potential impacts from possible heavy rainfall.

The district is reopening the eastern portion of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail on Sept. 1, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through Sept. 14, 2018, from farmers and ranchers interested in seeking funding through the Agricultural Cost-share Program for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and reduction of nutrient runoff in the Silver Springs springshed.

If nature is your thing, geocaching is a great way to explore some of the scenic and unspoiled public lands owned by the district, enjoy the outdoors and celebrate International Geocache Day on Saturday, Aug. 18.

The district will present construction details for one of the dispersed water storage pilot projects in progress in the Indian River Lagoon drainage area at a meeting Aug. 22.

Despite July’s patchy rainfall, 12-month rainfall totals remain above average across the district. A report outlining hydrologic conditions was presented today to the district’s Governing Board.

The district will hold a public workshop to discuss the peer review of Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) for water bodies within the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) area. This workshop will include discussion of surface water model peer review plans for MFLs water bodies within the Wekiva Basin.

Teachers have just one more month, until Sept. 7, to apply for a Blue School Grant for education projects to enhance students’ knowledge about Florida’s water resources. The district is offering up to $20,000 in grants for education projects that promote hands-on learning about water resources.

Community leaders joined together in Eustis today to celebrate the completion of a wastewater treatment plant expansion that will serve new development in the area as well as provide more reclaimed water.

The city of Eustis is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completed expansion of its wastewater treatment plant. As part of the event, attendees are also invited to tour the facility, which increased treatment capacity by one million gallons per day (mgd) and will also provide an additional 1.0 mgd of reclaimed water.

The acquisition of a 240-acre parcel in Marion County will help the district protect water resources by eliminating an outparcel near the center of the district’s Sunnyhill Restoration Area. The land purchase was approved at today’s Governing Board meeting.

While rainfall has not reached record-breaking levels, June continued a trend of higher-than-average rainfall for counties within the district. A full hydrological report was presented during today’s governing board meeting.

The district’s Governing Board Tuesday approved a tentative budget that reduces the millage rate for taxpayers for a sixth consecutive year while continuing to provide significant funds for programs and projects to ensure sustainable water resources, increase water conservation and protect water quality in springs and other priority water bodies.

Today, outdoor lovers celebrated the opening of the district’s latest property available for recreation: Micco Water Management Area (WMA) in south Brevard.

The district is giving away limited edition geocache coins to adventurers visiting district recreational public lands between June 21 and Aug. 18. The first 50 people who visit at least three different district lands and post a collection of “selfies” in front of the properties’ entrance signs on district social media sites are eligible.

High water levels in and near the St. Johns River have prompted the district to temporarily close campsites at Seminole Ranch Conservation Area in Brevard County and Buck Lake Conservation Area in Volusia County.

The district’s regularly scheduled Southern Recreational Public Meeting is set to take place Thursday.

With nearly 1,500 lakes within its boundaries, the district will recognize July 2018 as Lakes Appreciation Month to increase public awareness about the value of Florida’s lakes and to encourage behaviors that will enhance lakes’ health.

May’s wet weather pushed rainfall totals across the St. Johns River Water Management District to double the average.

With subtropical storm Alberto having already swept through the Florida panhandle and hurricane season arriving June 1, the district is ready for any action this storm season may bring.

Now entering the third year of its Blue School Grant Program, the district plans to offer up to $20,000 in grants for education projects that enhance student knowledge of Florida’s water resources through hands-on learning.

Two airboat crossings within the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area will be temporarily closed while the district installs block mats, which will help to further stabilize the crossings.

The district will hold a rule development workshop on May 24 to discuss and receive stakeholder input on proposed rule amendments updating the types of consumptive use permits that may be delegated to district staff to approve.

More than 207 million gallons of reclaimed water is reused daily within the district. Next week, May 13-19, the district, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and fellow agencies across the state will recognize the benefits of reusing treated wastewater, or reclaimed water.

The district Governing Board on Tuesday authorized staff to initiate the rulemaking process to revise the existing minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for lakes Brooklyn and Geneva near Keystone Heights.

All counties in the district’s service area experienced higher-than-average rainfall during April, with several counties seeing twice their average.

Trail repairs are underway on sections of the district’s Lake Apopka Loop Trail. The work, which requires closing the lakeside section of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, will repair damage from Hurricane Irma.

Averaging about 10,000 visitors each month, the district’s Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive will celebrate its third anniversary since opening in May 2015.

Muck dredging in the Eau Gallie River will pause until early June while manatees are most active in the Indian River Lagoon tributary.

Nine agricultural projects will share in more than $918,000 from the district to improve water conservation and reduce nutrient loading to area waterways.

The district Governing Board on Tuesday approved moving forward with contracts for three agricultural projects, totaling nearly $419,000 in cost-share funds, that will reduce water use by 218,537 gallons per day and reduce nutrient loading in the Tri County Agricultural Area (TCAA) of Putnam, St. Johns and Flagler counties.

Twenty-seven projects in nine counties will share in nearly $16 million for construction of water supply and water conservation, water quality improvement, flood protection and natural systems restoration projects.

Six projects will share in $699,245 in cost-share funding from the district and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and improve water quality in the Silver Springs springshed.

Hydrologic conditions within the district show that while the aquifer is still benefiting from last year’s rain, things are starting to dry out, especially in Orlando and the Upper St. Johns River Basin.

The district has opened all areas of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for regular operating hours. The opening includes Interceptor Road, a portion of Laughlin Road, and the lakeside road which had been closed for repairs.

The district and the city of Palatka are coming down the homestretch on three water resource protection projects totaling nearly $2 million. Projects will reduce potable water losses from old cast-iron water pipes, aid in fire suppression and reduce stormwater discharges into the St. Johns River from commercial and residential areas of the city.

The district has issued an environmental resource permit related to construction of the new First Coast Expressway. The permit authorizes a stormwater management system for a 31-mile segment of the highway from Blanding Boulevard in Clay County to I-95 in St. Johns County, the second phase of the project.

The district’s Sunnyhill Restoration Area in Marion County will host veterans’ group Operation Outdoor Freedom for a guided turkey hunt on March 28 and 29.

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday approved a feasibility evaluation of a proposed project to restore the flow between the St. Johns River and the eastern portion of Lake Jesup. The project would potentially enhance water quality and habitat in the lake and is supported by local stakeholders and Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs.

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday approved an agreement with Fellsmere Joint Ventures that will allow for construction of a boat ramp and other amenities at the northeast corner of the 10,000-acre reservoir.

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday approved a proclamation designating April as Water Conservation Month to encourage awareness about the importance of water conservation.

February proved to be a dry month for the 18 counties within the district, with most of the district receiving less than an inch of rain. By comparison, average February rainfall for the district’s southern counties ranged between 2.5 and 3 inches.

For the fifth consecutive year, the district’s Governing Board has approved a proclamation designating April as Springs Protection Awareness Month. The annual designation helps increase awareness about the importance of Florida’s springs and encourages residents and stakeholders to participate in the protection of springs.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is hosting the Gainesville chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for its youth turkey hunt March 10–11 on portions of the Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve and the Newnans Lake Conservation Area in Alachua County.

The district will begin regrading the roads of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive beginning Monday, March 5, 2018. Weekend access will not be affected by the regrading project, which will take place Monday through Thursday each week.

The reconnection of Lake Griffin to Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area in Lake County was a cause for celebration today for the district and its partners, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Lake County.

Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Allan Roberts of St. Augustine to the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board, filling a vacant seat that represents the St. Johns River below the Ocklawaha River and the coastal area between the St. Johns River and Ponce Inlet. The appointment takes effect immediately and runs through March 1, 2020.

A land management update and the Upper St. Johns River Basin project are among the items to be discussed Feb. 22 during the district’s Southern Recreational Public Meeting.
The southern recreational area includes district properties in Brevard and Indian River counties. The public will have an opportunity at this meeting to provide input on recreational topics involving district lands.

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s popular wildlife drive at Lake Apopka is open on Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 19.

January brought above-average rainfall to north and east-central Florida counties, and Silver Springs in Marion County and Volusia Blue Spring continue to experience flow increases corresponding with greater rainfall received over the past several months. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented Tuesday at the district’s February Governing Board meeting.

Ever wonder how clean that water in a nearby lake, stream or spring is? The district is now making it easier than ever before to get those answers. Data from more than 400 monitoring stations has been compiled into an interactive web page to help the public understand what’s going on with water quality in their area

The district is reopening seven and a half miles of additional trails, including the western end of the Loop Trail on Feb. 2.

The district is currently accepting applications through Feb. 16, 2018, from farmers and ranchers interested in participating in the districtwide Agricultural Cost-share Program funding for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and reduction of nutrient runoff.

The district is conducting a 3,000-acre prescribed fire today on the Lake Apopka North Shore. The purpose of the controlled burn is for marsh management, burning hardwoods and cattails and to promote the expansion of native marsh grasses. The fire was set by aerial ignition.

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday entered a Final Order adopting an administrative law judge’s recommended order to issue a consumptive use permit modification to Sleepy Creek Lands LLC.

While 12-month rainfall totals are still above average throughout the district’s 18-county service area, December rainfall was below average, especially through the southeastern corridor from southern Lake County through Orlando to Daytona. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s January Governing Board meeting Tuesday.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through Feb. 15 to share in cost-share funding for water supply, water quality, natural systems and flood protection construction projects. An informational workshop is being held Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. at district headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka, or via webinar.

Scientists and engineers with the St. Johns River Water Management District and University of Florida have completed a collaborative multi-year science investigation into the health of priority spring systems. The partnership was launched in 2014 to develop an enhanced scientific foundation to help identify the most effective projects and strategies to protect or restore the district’s Outstanding Florida Springs.

The district is reopening portions of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for regular operating hours Dec. 22.

The district is conducting a 400-acre prescribed fire Wednesday at Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area in Indian River County. The purpose of the controlled burn is for marsh management and fuel reduction.

The district has started work on a sump dredge project designed to help improve water quality at Lake Apopka. The project is not expected to impede navigation on the canal or lake.

The district is introducing a new cost-share funding opportunity for local governments and utilities within the springsheds of Volusia Blue, Wekiwa and Silver Springs to replace septic tanks with more efficient systems.

The district Governing Board on Tuesday approved the ranking of projects to share in up to $3.5 million in cost-share funds to benefit water resources in Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities and for projects that use innovative technology to provide data supporting future permitting and full-scale implementation of alternative water supplies.

While November brought above-average rainfall to counties across the northern and southern coast of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county service area, central Florida saw less rain than usual. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s December Governing Board meeting.

The district continues to assess and repair areas of the Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside, the district will provide updates as needed on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

The district is encouraging homeowners in its 18-county region to “Skip a Week” of lawn and landscape irrigation during the cooler months of December, January and February.

Fishermen recently netted 100,000 pounds of nutrient-laden gizzard shad from Lake Apopka in one week. The district funds the fish harvest as part of a multifaceted approach to restoring water quality.

An easement on three acres of county-owned property on Black Creek was approved Tuesday night by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to implement the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project (WRD), a key component to meeting northeast Florida’s water supply needs.

The district continues to assess and repair areas of the Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside the district is continuing to provide weekly updates on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

Knowing that septic tanks have been identified as one of the reasons for declining water quality in Florida’s springsheds, the district is working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local governments to fund their removal.

The removal of more than 44,000 cubic yards of muck was a cause for celebration today for the district and its partners, Brevard County and the city of Cocoa Beach.

The district and the city of Flagler Beach are partnering on a project to reduce flooding and recurring property damage to the Ocean Palm area and improve water quality. The district’s cost-share program is funding $675,000 toward the project, which is currently under construction.

Work is complete on a project that will help improve water quality at Lake Apopka and provide increased flood protection in the town of Oakland. The district provided $184,803 in funding for the project.

Repairs are underway at the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside and assessments are completed, the district is continuing to provide weekly updates on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

Twelve agricultural projects will share in $1.5 million from the district to improve water conservation and reduce nutrient loading to area waterways. The district’s Governing Board approved the project ranking at Tuesday’s meeting.

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday re-elected its current slate of officers to serve in the same capacity for another year.

October’s rainfall amounts were dominated by the heavy nor’easter rain event at the beginning of the month, leaving the 12-month rainfall total for the district 4.4 inches above average.

Dr. Erich Marzolf with the district was recently elected to serve on the North American Lake Management Society Board of Directors.

Chances are, the vegetables and maybe even the potato chips you’re buying in your local supermarket are grown on local farms in northeast Florida. There’s also a good chance those farms are partnering with the district on innovative practices and technologies to lessen groundwater use and reduce agricultural runoff entering the St. Johns River while working to keep their farms productive.

The district’s Newnans Lake Conservation Area will host a guided deer hunt for disabled veterans Nov. 5–7. The north tract of the conservation area will be closed throughout the special Operation Outdoor Freedom hunt.

Repairs are underway at the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside and assessments are completed, the district is continuing to provide weekly updates on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

Be sure to reset your sprinkler timer when changing your clocks this weekend to mark the end of daylight saving time. The time change corresponds with the semi-annual shift in watering restrictions ensuring the efficient use of water for landscape irrigation across the St. Johns River Water Management District. The move helps protect our water resources and can save residents money.

Repairs are underway at the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside and assessments are completed, the district is continuing to provide weekly updates on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

The district and the city of Fernandina Beach are partnering on a project that will help reduce flooding along 26 city blocks while also reducing nutrient loading to the Amelia River.

Repairs are underway at the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside and assessments are completed, the district will provide a weekly update on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

The Moss Bluff Lock is closed to boat traffic until further notice. The lock was scheduled for maintenance in September but Hurricane Irma delayed that work.

The St. Johns River Water Management District and the city of Jacksonville Beach are partnering to extend central sewer service to eight properties along the Intracoastal Waterway. By eliminating septic tanks, the project is anticipated to reduce total nitrogen discharges by 240 pounds per year and total phosphorus discharges by 32 pounds per year.

Repairs are underway at the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside and assessments are completed, the district will provide a weekly update on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is hosting a public meeting to discuss updates to land management and recreational across Brevard and Indian River counties. The meeting will also include an opportunity for public comment.

Eleven schools are receiving grant funding from the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Blue School Grant Program for projects to enhance student development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related topics.

The district’s Governing Board is commending the city of Altamonte Springs for its award-winning work to expand water resources in Florida. The city’s pureALTA Potable Reuse Demonstration Pilot was recently named the 2017 WaterReuse Innovative Project of the Year at the national WaterReuse Symposium in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) estimates central Florida will need an additional 250 million gallons of water per day by 2035 to meet the demands of a growing population. An update on the CFWI’s work to meet that demand through increased water conservation and alternative water sources was presented today to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board.

The district Governing Board on Tuesday approved moving forward with contracts for nine agricultural projects, totaling nearly $1.5 million in cost-share funds, that reduce water use by 34 million gallons per year and reduce nutrient loading in the Tri County Agricultural Area (TCAA) of Putnam, St. Johns and Flagler counties. 

Over two days, Hurricane Irma brought 2.2 trillion gallons of rainwater, or enough to cover 6.7 million football fields in one foot of water, to the district’s 18-county service area. A full report outlining September’s hydrological conditions, flood control system and the district’s response during Hurricane Irma, was presented to the district’s Governing Board Tuesday.

Repairs are underway at the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside and assessments are completed, the district will provide a weekly update on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

The district has opened water control structures on the 11-mile C-54 Canal in Brevard County to reduce the amount of water flowing north in the St. Johns River. The opening is due to flooding on the St. Johns River, as well as ongoing rainfall and predicted rainfall resulting from Tropical Storm Nate. 

The Indian River Lagoon and cities of Fellsmere and Sebastian in Indian River County will gain improved water quality, thanks in large part to a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) cost-share grant from the district.

The district is hosting a public meeting to discuss updates to land management and recreation across Lake, Orange and Seminole counties as well as portions of Marion, Volusia and Brevard counties. The meeting will also include an opportunity for public comment.

Repairs are underway at the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma. As water levels subside and assessments are completed, the district will provide weekly updates on the status of repairs and recreation at the Lake Apopka North Shore.

The district closed two water control structures in its Upper St. Johns River Basin project on Sunday to lessen the potential for flooding in residential neighborhoods along Lake Washington, in Brevard County.

Repairs are underway in areas of the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore, which experienced damage due to Hurricane Irma.

The district joined city of Winter Garden leaders and others to celebrate the start of a reclaimed water and stormwater project. The district provided $750,000 for the work, which captures and stores excess stormwater, improving aquifer recharge and water quality at nearby Lake Apopka.

The district’s Governing Board today adopted its fiscal year 2017-2018 budget, which provides funds for cost-share projects and major programs to support the agency’s core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems and flood protection. The board also approved reducing the millage rate for taxpayers for a fifth year.

The district has reopened the C-54 Canal to recreation now that the water control structures at either end of the 11-mile-long canal are closed.

The district has reopened 40 of its properties following Hurricane Irma’s impact last week. The district continues to assess damage from Hurricane Irma and make repairs to its public lands, with a goal to reopen the properties for recreational uses as soon as it is safe to do so.

The district has reopened 39 of its conservation lands following Hurricane Irma’s impact last week. The district continues to assess damage from Hurricane Irma and make repairs to its public lands, with a goal to reopen the properties for recreational uses as soon as it is safe to do so.

More district conservation lands are reopening to public recreation following Hurricane Irma’s impact last week. Openings are made as the district continues its in-depth assessment of recreational access points, levees, trails and boat ramps.

The district’s Governing Board voted to rescind the districtwide Water Shortage Warning Order following an extended period of increased rainfall.

The district is accepting applications through Oct. 19 to share in $3.6 million in cost-share funding for Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities and innovative projects that support the agency’s core missions. The submission deadline has been extended to Oct. 19 due to Hurricane Irma.

Just a week ago, Hurricane Irma pummeled the Florida peninsula, causing severe flooding and wind damage across the 18 counties of the St. Johns River Water Management District. Since then, the district has been working with local governments and other stakeholders in their recovery efforts by reducing floodwater flows to the north, providing pumps and personnel to lessen localized flooding, and assessing damage from the storm.

Two properties within the St. Johns River Water Management District’s service area are open to public recreation, including hunting. The openings were made as the district continues an in-depth assessment of recreational access points, levees, trails, and boat ramps.

Days after Hurricane Irma’s storm surge has receded, the St. Johns River and other water bodies continue to rise in many areas, causing flooding headaches for local governments and their residents. The St. Johns River Water Management District continues to mitigate flooding impacts in support of local emergency operations as communities work to recover and restore services.

The St. Johns River Water Management District today continued its support of local emergency operations by working to drain floodwaters from communities across northeast Florida and supporting its local government partners to reduce impacts from Hurricane Irma.

Staff members from the St. Johns River Water Management District on Wednesday began partnering with local government staff to survey damage from Hurricane Irma in Jacksonville.

All lands owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District will remain closed to the public as staff continue to assess each property for safety and accessibility. This includes the district’s Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

The St. Johns River Water Management District will reopen its offices for business on Wednesday.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is assisting Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties by deploying pumps and staff to assist in recovery efforts from flooding caused by Hurricane Irma.

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board will hold its September meeting at the district’s Maitland Service Center, where the board will discuss pressing agenda items, the tentative millage rate and budget adoption. The district will also hold the final budget adoption hearing, scheduled for Sept. 26, in Maitland.

Massive Hurricane Irma brought dramatic flooding across Florida, from the Keys all the way to the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. On Monday, the St. Johns River Water Management District began diverting water from the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project to reduce floodwaters flowing north, providing flood protection for people and property downstream, particularly in hard-hit Jacksonville.

All St. Johns River Water Management District offices and public lands will remain closed through Tuesday as district staff recover from the impacts of Hurricane Irma and also inspect district facilities to ensure staff and visitor safety.

PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 8, 2017 — As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida this weekend, the St. Johns River Water Management District reminds property owners to be prepared for heavy rains by cleaning debris from storm drains and reporting clogged ditches to local governments in advance of the storm. The public also is encouraged to bookmark flooding information, water levels and other resources found on the district’s website at www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/flooding/.

The district will postpone its monthly Governing Board meeting and tentative Fiscal Year 2017-2018 millage and budget hearing due to Hurricane Irma and the storm’s potential for impacts in the district’s 18-county area. Several other public meetings also are being postponed.

The district will close its offices districtwide on Friday to give employees time to prepare their homes for Hurricane Irma.

The district is closing all its public lands districtwide at 5 p.m. Thursday in advance of Hurricane Irma. The closure includes the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

The district is making preparations for Hurricane Irma. As in years past, the district’s flood control systems are prepared for a deluge, but there are limitations.

The district joins other organizations to raise awareness for protecting groundwater supplies and quality during Protect Your Groundwater Day. “The main source of water for most of northeast and central Florida comes from underground aquifers, primarily the Floridan aquifer, which is limited,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We remain dedicated to using data-driven science to safeguard future supplies, while recognizing the role important role of water conservation to ensure its efficient use.”

Scientists and engineers from the St. Johns River Water Management District and the University of Florida will hold a technical meeting Sept. 8 at Austin Cary Forest in Gainesville to share the scientific findings of the Collaborative Research Initiative on Sustainability and Protection of Springs (CRISPS).

The district and Vulcan Materials Co. on Wednesday celebrated the completion of a well conversion project in Putnam County that will benefit Clay-Putnam minimum flows and levels (MFLs) while meeting the needs of the Grandin Sand Plant in producing vital construction materials for northeast Florida. 

Brevard County installed a state-of-the art second-generation “baffle box” with a high-tech chamber that will capture and treat nitrogen and phosphorus before they can reach the Banana River Lagoon, which is part of the Indian River Lagoon. The St. Johns River Water Management District is a funding partner in this cost-share project, as well, as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting aerial herbicide treatments at several locations within its Lake Apopka North Shore. District staff are stationed to guide visitors in treatment areas adjacent to trails.

Work is under way on a $500,000 project to replace old water mains in downtown Hawthorne, which will save millions of gallons of water currently lost through its antiquated distribution system. The St. Johns River Water Management District is fully funding the city’s project through its cost-share program to help Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities meet their water conservation and water resource development goals.

The district is providing $700,000 in cost-share funds to the city of Palm Coast for a project to rebuild aging flood control structures and allow for remote monitoring and control of the slide gates. The project will help protect residents and property in a 1,739-acre area of the city.

There are a lot of “dos” when visiting public lands owned and managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District — do take your time to enjoy natural Florida, do take drinking water and insect repellent, do hike or bike and take advantage of these unspoiled acres. However, with saw palmetto berry season in full swing, the district wants to remind visitors of an important “don’t.” Harvesting saw palmetto berries is prohibited on public properties across Florida, including the district’s conservation lands.

The district has launched a new and improved website featuring a more contemporary look, streamlined pages and improved navigability.

The district has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2016-2017 budget from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. Mary-Lou Pickles, director of the district’s Office of Financial Services and the district’s former budget director, also was recognized.

Modern day adventurers may score a new commemorative coin by geocaching on St. Johns River Water Management District lands this summer, just in time for International Geocaching Day on Aug. 19.

District staff recently met with Orange County residents to talk about wildfire safety and how they can work together to reduce the risk of fire damage to their homes through prescribed fire.

The district is providing $2 million in cost-share funds to Putnam County toward expansion of its East Putnam Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. The project will significantly reduce nutrient loading to Dunns Creek and the St. Johns River.

The district has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its fiscal year 2015-2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. District Finance Director Greg Rockwell also was recognized.

Soggy lawns might make drought conditions from eight weeks ago feel like a distant memory, yet areas within the district are still recovering from the spring’s dry spell.

Visitors to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka North Shore should expect larger-than-usual crowds this weekend. Portions of the property’s nonmotorized loop trail are part of the mapped route for the 2017 Magnolia Park Forest Run.

The district is accepting applications for its Blue School Grant Program. In its second year, the educational grant program offers up to a total of $20,000 for teachers working to promote water resource protection through hands-on learning opportunities.

Two informational public meetings will be held in August to present information about the Black Creek Water Resource Development (WRD) Project to interested residents and stakeholders.

Ensuring that central Florida has the water it needs is at the core of the Central Florida Water Initiative.

A 120-acre wildfire reported at Seminole Ranch Conservation Area on July 20 is fully contained.

The district is responding to a wildfire reported on the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area (at the convergence of Orange, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole counties).

A project to provide recharge to the Floridan aquifer using excess water from flood-prone Black Creek received a nod from the district’s Governing Board Tuesday, which directed its executive director to negotiate with the top-ranked design/engineering firm to get the project off the ground.

The district’s Governing Board Tuesday approved a tentative budget that reduces the millage rate for taxpayers for a fifth consecutive year while continuing to provide significant funds for programs and projects to ensure sustainable water resources, increase water conservation and protect water quality in springs and other priority water bodies.

Recent wet weather has brought an end to drought conditions, as well as indications of rebounding aquifer levels, within the district. A report outlining hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s July Governing Board meeting.

The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) is developing innovative projects to meet the growing water needs of the five-county Central Florida region while also protecting the region’s water resources.

A local memorial park will save 215 gallons of water per day after reclaimed water infrastructure for irrigation is installed. The St. Johns River Water Management District contributed $168,261 to the recently completed project at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Orange County.

Residents of the Breeze Swept subdivision in Rockledge have begun making the switch from septic to sewer, thanks to a cost-share project designed to reduce septic tank pollution in the Indian River Lagoon.

A recently completed project at a central Florida RV park and campground will help achieve water quality improvements for Lake Apopka and springs of the Wekiva system. The St. Johns River Water Management District contributed $34,425 to the project at Orange Blossom KOA in Orange County, which dismantled an old wastewater treatment plant and connected the campground to a central sewer system.

On June 26, lightning ignited a wildfire on a St. Johns River Water Management District property west of Interstate 95 and south of State Road 520 in Brevard County.

A wildfire continues to burn on a St. Johns River Water Management District property west of Interstate 95 and south of State Road 520 in Brevard County.

A wildfire continues to burn on a St. Johns River Water Management District property west of Interstate 95 and south of State Road 520 in Brevard County.

A wildfire is burning on a district property west of Interstate 95 and south of State Road 520 in Brevard County. Approximately 800 acres burned Monday evening. District staff plan to burn out the entire 5,000-acre property on Tuesday morning.

A wildfire has been reported at River Lakes 8, a St. Johns River Water Management District property south of State Road 520 and west of Interstate 95. The blaze was started by a lightning strike.

Only four months after dredging began, approximately 125,000 cubic yards of muck have already been pumped from the Eau Gallie River in Melbourne. The river is a tributary of the Indian River Lagoon.

Annual reporting conducted by the St. Johns River Water Management District shows that total water use was approximately two percent above the 10-year average, and was 14 percent higher than 2015, while total population increased about two percent. The district’s 2016 Survey of Annual Water Use was presented at the district’s June Governing Board meeting.

Forty-three projects will share in approximately $21.3 million from the St. Johns River Water Management District for construction of water supply and water conservation, water quality improvement, flood protection and natural systems restoration projects.

St. Johns River Water Management District maintenance crews are using an innovative technique to slash culvert repairs by as much as 80 percent.

As a result of recent rainfall, the St. Johns River Water Management District is lifting the districtwide burn ban on campfires. Campfires on district lands are still prohibited by the burn bans issued by the following counties: Putnam, Flagler, Volusia, Orange, Osceola and Indian River.

Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Janet Price of Fernandina Beach to the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board, filling a vacant seat that represents the St. Marys River Basin and the adjacent coastal area. The appointment takes effect immediately and runs through March 1, 2018.

Built on the concept of collaboration, the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) works with the area’s 83 utilities to scale water conservation efforts and promote alternative water supplies for a growing population.

Between 2014 and 2016 the St. Johns River Water Management District has realized a net decrease in permitted groundwater of approximately 3.5 million gallons of water per day (MGD). The reduction is a result of several factors but primarily changes in demonstrated need by permit holders.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through July 28 from farmers interested in participating in cost-share funding for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and improve water quality in area waterways. Up to $1.5 million is available to support the efforts.

Florida Water Star SM presented six awards to local organizations and individuals for their work to further water conservation. Developed by the St. Johns River Water Management District and launched in 2007, the Florida Water Star program provides water conservation certification for homes, entire communities and commercial developments.

As hydrologic trends reflect below-average rainfall across the district, the district Governing Board approved expanding the current Water Shortage Warning Order to include all areas within the district’s 18-county jurisdiction.

  MAITLAND, Fla., April 11, 2017 – In its work to protect Florida’s water resources, the St. Johns River Water Management District will conduct an aquifer performance test to determine characteristics of the aquifer system. The test, conducted in partnership with the city of Ocala, provides valuable information about long-term reliability of the aquifer system’s ability to yield an adequate water supply in an area. WHAT: Aquifer performance testing WHEN: April 17-24 WHERE: Near S.E. 31st Street near S.E. Lake Weir Avenue This well will be tested at a pumping rate of 3,500 gallons per minute for a duration of […]

MAITLAND, Fla., April 6, 2017 — On April 5, wildfires were reported on or near two St. Johns River Water Management District properties. The district responded to wildfire reported on the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area (at the convergence of Orange, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole counties) and at Silver Springs in Marion County, adjacent to district property. The wildfire at Silver Springs is contained. District staff and equipment are assisting with mop up operations to reduce smoke and prevent the chance of fire breaking out. The wildfire at Seminole Ranch Conservation Area is south of the marsh area. Work is underway to access […]

MAITLAND, Fla., April 6, 2017 — On April 5, wildfires were reported on or near two St. Johns River Water Management District properties. Update as of April 6 at 3:20 p.m.: The district responded to wildfire reported on the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area (at the convergence of Orange, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole counties) and at Silver Springs in Marion County, adjacent to district property. The wildfire at Silver Springs is contained. The wildfire at Seminole Ranch Conservation Area is 4 acres and located south of the marsh area. Recent rain has inhibited the spread of the fire. District staff are […]

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board is holding its April monthly meeting offsite at the Eustis City Commission Chambers April 11. While board meetings are routinely held at district headquarters in Palatka, the board holds periodic off-site meetings to be more accessible to the public and enhance transparency in district business.

The number of certifications being sought for water conservation increased 200 percent in 2016. Developed by the St. Johns River Water Management District and launched in 2007, the Florida Water StarSM program provides water conservation certification for homes, entire communities and commercial developments.

Governor Rick Scott announced one appointment and one reappointment to the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District. Susan Dolan, 51, of Longwood, is the director of community affairs for Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. She succeeds Maryam Ghyabi, whose term ended in March 2017. The appointment takes effect immediately and runs through March 1, 2021.

Putnam County schools, the city of Bunnell and the town of Pomona Park are benefitting from thousands of dollars of surplus items from the St. Johns River Water Management District. These Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) community partners were notified last week that they will receive a variety of computer monitors, PCs and vehicles from the district’s program to donate surplus equipment to economically disadvantaged communities.

St. Johns River Water Management District land managers and partnering agencies are burning interior pockets within a wildfire that began Wednesday afternoon on the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area. When finished by nightfall on Thursday, the total area burned within the wildfire is expected to be more than 6,800 acres.

A wildfire is reported on St. Johns River Water Management District property and a second fire is burning toward district land. One fire is burning on private land and heading toward Canaveral Marshes Conservation Area southeast of the St. Johns River channel. The Florida Forest Service has plowed a protective fire line on district property and district staff have begun an operation to burn the fire out. Smoke is impacting nearby State Road 520.

A large-scale renovation of the Moss Bluff Lock and Dam in Marion County is scheduled to begin in mid-April and work is already underway to prepare the site. The St. Johns River Water Management District operates and maintains the structure, which serves as a navigational aid and flood control structure on the Ocklawaha River.