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Deadline nears for Okaloosa County property owners to file appeals on flood map changes

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HAVANA – More than 100 residents took part in town hall meetings Monday at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. The meetings, organized by Okaloosa County Commissioners Chairman Carolyn Ketchel, allowed residents the chance to ask questions about proposed changes to the flood maps and guided them through the appeals process.

“This is essential information for every property owner on the Gulf Coast,” Chairman Ketchel said. “Please go to the link provided to find your property and decide on the appeal process by the deadline on May 23. Once your statement from your insurance company arrives, it will be too late to appeal.”

Proposed changes to the flood maps will not become official until every appeal is reviewed and resolved. Appeals do not have to be resolved by May 23; they simply have to be filed by that deadline to be reviewed.

In addition to contacting their local city floodplain administrator, residents can also direct questions about the appeals process to John Crowe from the Northwest Florida Water Management District at john.crowe@yopmail.com.

“We appreciate Commissioner Ketchel putting together these town hall meetings,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “We look forward to continuing our work together to serve her constituents in Okaloosa County. We want these maps to be as accurate as possible, and input from the community is vital to making that happen.”

The proposed maps are available by visiting the Flood Information link located on the Okaloosa County website at www.co.okaloosa.fl.us or by visiting http://portal.nwfwmdfloodmaps.com.

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Okaloosa County hosts Town Hall to discuss flood maps

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District will join Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Carolyn Ketchel for a town hall meeting to discuss proposed changes to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Okaloosa County.

Presentations begin promptly at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2017, and will be held in Emerald Ballroom IV of the Emerald Coast Convention Center located at 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway (Highway 98) on Okaloosa Island. An insurance consultant will be on hand to provide information regarding potential insurance changes.

The public is invited to attend this meeting to obtain information about the proposed changes to the federal flood insurance program in Okaloosa County. The proposed maps are available by visiting the Flood Information link located on the County webpage at www.co.okaloosa.fl.us or by visiting http://portal.nwfwmdfloodmaps.com.

Okaloosa County adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to this public meeting upon request. Requests may be made to Patrick Rigney at 850-609-3800 or via email at prigney@co.okaloosa.fl.us. Persons using a TDD may contact him through the Florida Relay Service, 711.  Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting in order to provide the requested service.

District provides funding for Monticello water system upgrades

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HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved funding to help the city of Monticello replace and upgrade three waterlines that are part of the city’s central water system. The approval came Thursday during the Governing Board’s monthly meeting.

“I represent 10 counties, and all but one of them are filled with smaller communities like Monticello,” State Representative Halsey Beshears said. “Support for projects like this is invaluable for the folks I represent, and I appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped make this happen.”

Funding for the project came from the Florida Legislature and is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Program. The $426,794 cost will pay for the replacement and upgrade of nearly 2,500 linear feet of pipe and connections along East Pearl Street, West Palmer Road, and North Olive Street. The upgrades are expected to save as much as 500,000 gallons of water per month.

“This is the type of project that makes positive and tangible impacts in cities like Monticello,” District Governing Board member Marc Dunbar said. “That’s why the District takes such pride in working with smaller communities throughout northwest Florida to help them upgrade aging water systems when we can.”

“This is a project that will save the city a lot of money in repairs and maintenance but will also help conserve more than 500,000 gallons of potable water each month,” said Steve Wingate, Monticello’s city manager. “The City of Monticello is grateful for the support of Representative Beshears, the Florida Legislature, and the Northwest Florida Water Management District.”

The District’s Water Supply Development Grant program was launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.5 million. These projects have helped local governments and utilities make potable water distribution system improvements, replace aging infrastructure, evaluate and develop alternative water supply projects, and address local drinking water quality issues. Two-thirds of the projects are in rural or financially disadvantaged communities.

For more information on the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, please visit https://nwfwater.com/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants

District celebrates ‘Springs Awareness’ at Capitol

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TALLAHASSEE – Representatives from several of Florida’s water management districts, including the Northwest Florida Water Management District, participated in a special “Springs Awareness” event at the Florida Capitol on Thursday afternoon.

Jon Costello, a Governing Board member for the Northwest Florida Water Management District, represented the District at the event.

“On behalf of the District and its 256 springs, I applaud the commitment that continues to be shown by Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Legislature, and Secretary Matthews to protecting and restoring springs throughout the entire state,” Costello said. “We are proud to stand with our friends from the other water management districts, DEP, and northwest Florida communities as we all continue to work toward the preservation of these precious natural resources.”

Since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2014-2015, the District has provided nearly $51.3 million for springs projects, which include restoration activities, acquisitions, septic-to-sewer projects, and Best Management Practices for agricultural producers.

“Not only do we appreciate the support from Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature and Secretary Matthews, but we take great pride in working closely with our local governments and communities to develop projects that make positive impacts on the springs in northwest Florida,” said Marc Dunbar, Governing Board member for the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

In the last three fiscal years, the District has provided $30.1 million in funding for projects benefitting Wakulla Springs. Those projects have put Wakulla Springs on schedule to meet state and federal water quality standards.

The District has also provided funding for projects for Jackson Blue Spring ($11.19 million the last three fiscal years), Econfina Creek ($8.58 million), and Holmes Creek ($1.42 million).

For more information on springs within the Northwest Florida Water Management District, please visit https://nwfwp.sgssys.info//Water-Resources/Springs.

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District plans prescribed burn at Garcon Point Water Management Area

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HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District plans to conduct a prescribed burn this week, possibly as early as Tuesday, within the Garcon Point Water Management Area in Santa Rosa County if favorable weather conditions permit.

The prescribed burn will improve the overall health of the Garcon Point Water Management Area, which consists of 3,245 acres on the Garcon Point peninsula between Escambia and Blackwater bays. By preserving the estuarine tidal marsh, wet prairie and wet flatwood habitats of this area, the District is also protecting at least 13 threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

“Prescribed burns are an important part of the District’s land management operations that help us restore natural communities and better protect our area’s natural resources,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “Prescribed burns are also a safe, efficient, and effective way to reduce wildfire risk.”

Although every effort will be made to ensure smoke has a minimal impact, drivers should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s roadways.

The burn will be conducted by the District’s certified prescribed burn managers from the Milton office, with assistance from the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership. The final decision to burn is made daily, after reviewing the Predicted Fire Weather forecast for that particular day and after obtaining a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service.

The Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP) is a public/private voluntary landowner partnership that collectively manages more than 1 million acres in northwest Florida and south Alabama. The 11 partners include the Department of Defense (Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Forestry Service, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Longleaf Alliance, the National Park Service, the Northwest Florida Water Management District, National Forests in Alabama, the Nature Conservancy, Nokuse Plantation, and Westervelt Ecological Services.

District plans prescribed burn at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

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Havana – The Northwest Florida Water Management District will conduct prescribed burns at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee today, February 13, weather permitting.

Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is located between North Meridian Road and Lake Jackson, south of Miller Landing Road. Signs will be posted at the park to notify visitors and neighbors of burning in progress. The District’s burn-certified land managers will conduct the burns.

Although every effort will be made to ensure smoke will not affect roadways, drivers should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s roads.

Prescribed fire is an effective and efficient land management tool used to restore and protect water and natural resources. Prescribed fires, which mimic naturally occurring fires, reduce wildfire risk, enhance native vegetation and improve wildlife habitat.

The District owns and manages more than 200,000 acres to conserve and protect water and natural resources throughout northwest Florida. Phipps Park is owned by the District and managed in cooperation with the City of Tallahassee. The District purchased its 516 acres in 1992 to protect the Lake Jackson watershed.

District hosts veterans for Operation Outdoor Freedom Hunt

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HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District played host this past weekend to six hunters selected through Operation Outdoor Freedom for a weekend deer-hunting experience.  These hunts are open to wounded veterans of all branches the United States military.

The hunt included six veterans representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps and took place during the weekend of February 3-5 in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area in Bay and Washington counties. It was hosted with support from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, Friends of Florida State Forests, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“This is the fifth year the District has hosted an Operation Outdoor Freedom Hunt, and it is one of the most rewarding events we participate in each year,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “Our staff members are honored to host these veterans and provide them a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the natural resources here in northwest Florida.”

Chairman George Roberts echoes that sentiment.  “The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to our country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.”

Hunters arrived at the Econfina Creek Water Management Area on Friday afternoon to set up their tents, sight their rifles, and attend a safety briefing. District staff provided meals and snacks throughout the weekend, highlighted by a steak cookout Saturday evening sponsored by the Florida Cattleman’s Association.

Operation Outdoor Freedom is an endeavor of the Florida Forest Service that offers recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, to wounded veterans on state forests and other public and private lands. Through the program, designated areas are equipped to accommodate the special needs of wounded veterans, providing an opportunity for recreation and rehabilitation that is not available through any other state program.

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District announces new agricultural cost-share funding to protect Jackson Blue Spring

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District is launching a cost-share program designed to help agricultural producers improve water quality and reduce water use demands in and around Jackson Blue Spring.

The District’s 2016-2017 budget includes $316,000 to help agricultural producers implement a conservation crop rotation program that includes planting grass such as bahia or bermuda as part of the rotation.

This grass rotation, or sod-based rotation, has been implemented and studied by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at its research stations in Greenwood and Quincy for more than a decade. Research shows that land under the grass rotation produces higher yields while using less fertilizer and irrigation. Benefits of grass rotation are highest when cattle grazing is included as part of the program.

“The District appreciates the vision and leadership shown by Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature and the Department of Environmental Protection for allowing us to continue this program,” said John Alter, Governing Board member for the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “Grass rotation is a proven conservation measure and it provides another way of improving the health of Jackson Blue Spring.”

This new grant program will provide cost-share funding to four agricultural producers for: the cost of converting a portion of the enrolled property to grass; equipment and facilities required for inclusion of cattle, such as fencing, gates, handling pens, and troughs; machinery to maintain and work the property in grass; as well as other equipment and tools to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use and improve water use efficiency – protecting both water quantity and quality.

Under the program, the District will reimburse each producer to convert up to 160 acres to grass. The conversion can be done in up to four phases but the grass must be maintained in place for two years to obtain the benefits of the practice. The District will also reimburse for fencing and 75 percent of the cost of other qualifying equipment and tools.

“We look forward to working with producers to determine the best way to integrate this practice into their individual operation,” said District hydrogeologist Angela Chelette, who also serves as the District’s agriculture liaison. “We know many of them are eager to take part in this program, and our primary goal is to provide technical and financial support that will ensure their success.”

Contracts are expected to last for approximately four years so that grass is established for two years on each portion of the enrolled property. While including cattle is encouraged, it is not required and producers can chose among numerous options to implement grass rotation on their farm. Awarded grant amounts will vary depending on the measures selected by each producer.

The District is currently accepting applications from agricultural producers within the Jackson Blue Spring and Merritts Mill Pond groundwater contribution area. Applications are due March 3, 2017. Preference will be given to producers who include higher acreage, who enroll parcels closer to Jackson Blue Spring, and who include cattle grazing in the rotation.

To be eligible, producers must be:

  • Operating within the Jackson Blue Spring and Merritts Mill Pond Groundwater Contribution Area;
  • Enrolled in the appropriate Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management Practice (BMP) program; and
  • In regulatory compliance with applicable District permits and rules.

Application forms can be found on the District website at nwfwp.sgssys.info. Producers can contact Angela Chelette (850-539-2650) with questions about the grant program.

Producers who are interested in obtaining funding can expedite their application by enrolling or updating their enrollment in the FDACS BMP program as soon as possible by contacting Tom Batey, FDACS Field Representative at (850-693-5430) or visiting the FDACS website at www.freshfromflorida.com.

The District recommends that producers who want to upgrade irrigation equipment contact Mark Miles of the Northwest Florida Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) at (850-482-0388) to schedule an irrigation system evaluation. Having these two items complete will allow an application to move forward more quickly.

Cotton Landing to close for restoration project

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District will close the Cotton Landing recreation site within the Choctawhatchee and Holmes Creek Management Area beginning January 9th for a restoration project.

Cotton Landing is located northeast of Vernon along Holmes Creek. Vehicles will not be able to access Cotton Landing Road, and the immediate area around the construction site at Cotton Landing on Holmes Creek will be closed to the public. The remainder of the surrounding area north of Highway 277 will remain open by pedestrian access for hunting and other allowable recreational activities.

The restoration project will stabilize approximately 125 linear feet of shoreline to help reduce erosion as well as provide stormwater treatment. Boardwalks and access points will be installed to prevent future impacts on water quality and habitat while also improving public access and public parking.

For more information on the Cotton Landing restoration project, please contact the District’s Communications office at 850-539-5999.

Northwest Florida Water Management District to host public workshops for Surface Water Improvement and Management plan updates

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District will host six public outreach workshops on the Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) plan updates. These plans are being developed by the District to build on past and ongoing efforts to protect and restore watershed resources.  The workshops will provide an overview of watershed conditions and proposed implementation strategies and projects. The public is invited to attend these workshops to review information and to provide input as well as identify actions to address any identified challenges.

The workshops will each address one watershed in that particular area, and will be held on these dates:

Perdido River and Bay SWIM Plan

Tuesday, January 10, 2017; 5:30 PM (CT)

Escambia County Commission Chambers, 221 S. Palafox Pl., Pensacola, FL 32502

Pensacola Bay System SWIM Plan

Wednesday, January 11, 2017; 5:30 PM (CT)

ECUA Board Room, 9255 Sturdevant Street, Ellyson Industrial Park, Pensacola, FL 32514

St. Marks River and Apalachee Bay Watershed SWIM Plan

Thursday, January 26, 2017; 5:30 PM (ET)

Wakulla County Community Center, 318 Shadeville Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327

Choctawhatchee River and Bay SWIM Plan

Tuesday, January 31, 2017, 5:30 PM (CT)

Freeport Community Center, 16040 Business 331, Freeport, FL 32439

St. Andrew Bay SWIM Plan Public Workshop

Monday, February 6, 2017; 5:30 PM (CT)

Bay County Government Center Room 1030, 840 W. 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

Ochlockonee River and Bay SWIM Plan Public Workshop

Wednesday, February 15, 2017; 5:30 PM (ET)

Northwest Florida Water Management District – 81 Water Management Dr., Havana, FL 32333

More information and supporting documentation can be found on the District website at: http://nwfwp.sgssys.info/water-resources/surface-water-improvement-and-management/swim-plan-updates/.