July 9, 2024
The District unveiled an update to the 2017 Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Feasibility Study, which aims to identify and prioritize new stormwater treatment project concepts that could provide environmental benefits to the IRL system. The study identified and screened 30 potential project concepts. After a careful selection process, seven top-tier concepts were prioritized for future design and development considerations.
June 28, 2024
In what has become an annual effort, key partners in hurricane preparedness and flood management gathered at the Central Florida Coordination meeting hosted by the District to discuss strategies and updates aimed at bolstering emergency response capabilities and regional resilience. Representatives from the South Florida Water Management District, local cities, counties and state planning agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation and the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, also participated. The meeting featured updates on emergency operations and resources, emphasizing inter-agency collaboration.
May 16, 2024
The District’s Governing Board approved three contracts for agricultural projects benefiting water resources in the Tri-County Agricultural Area of the Lower St. Johns River Basin in north Florida. The District remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices in the region through innovative projects aimed at conserving water, protecting water quality, and enhancing farm management efficiency. These projects represent a strategic investment in the future of agriculture, with a focus on implementing targeted solutions to address key challenges faced by local growers. The collaborative effort include the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the District. With federal funding opportunities provided by the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the program has funded 195 projects since the program’s inception.
May 14, 2024
The District continues to place an emphasis on plugging abandoned artesian wells throughout its 18-county service area as a water conservation measure. In May alone, the District plugged 23 wells, saving an estimated 3.11 million gallons per day (mgd). Since the program began, 494 wells have been plugged to date, with a cumulative water savings of 63.749 mgd.
April 25, 2024
Patriot Place in St. Johns County received the Florida Water Star certification, following a certification/inspection process by the District. St. Johns Housing Partnership, a nonprofit that develops affordable housing, built Patriot Place. The six new, low-income residences help address the county’s critical need for housing for at-risk and homeless veterans while also saving water and benefiting Florida’s environment. Florida Water Star is a water efficiency certification program developed by the nearly two decades ago, offering an accessible and affordable path for builders and developers to follow so their projects use less water in landscapes, irrigation systems and indoors. Combined, these measures help achieve the water efficiency performance needed in new homes and businesses.
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.
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.
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.
