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Andrews appointed to District’s Governing Board

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TALLAHASSEE — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Angus “Gus” Andrews to the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board on Wednesday.

Andrews, of DeFuniak Springs, is the owner of Andrews & Arnsdoff Realty and Southern Beach Management. Previously, he served on the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board from 2011-2019. Andrews currently serves on the Board of Directors for Trustmark Bank. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.

This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

District extends Emergency Order for Michael recovery efforts

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District has extended the following Emergency Order to assist and expedite the recovery efforts from Hurricane Michael. The Emergency Order, which remains in effect until November 17, 2020, addresses the needs of those seeking permits from the District as well as those with questions or issues related to existing permits. You can view the Emergency Order by clicking here.

For any questions related to existing permits or permit applications, contact the District’s Regulatory Services division at (850) 539-5999.

District’s FY 20-21 budget includes nearly $2 million for MFLs

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HAVANA — With the passage of its Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget, the Governing Board for the Northwest Florida Water Management District committed nearly $2 million for the continued development of its Minimum Flows and Minimum Water Levels program.

The District is required by Florida statute to develop MFLs for specific water bodies to determine the limit at which further withdrawals will be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area.

The District remains on schedule to complete its technical assessment for Wakulla and Sally Ward springs by the end of this year.

“The support from Governor DeSantis and the legislature is crucial to our ability to complete this work and protect Wakulla Spring,” said Kellie Ralston, a member of the District’s Governing Board who represents Leon and Wakulla counties. “Wakulla Spring is one of the largest springs in Florida and the long-term health of this unique resource and its ecology is one of this Board’s highest priorities.”

Included in the work to develop an MFL for Wakulla and Sally Ward springs is the installation or enhancement of 70 monitoring sites that track spring flows, river stage, temperature, salinity, aquifer levels, swallet inflows, water quality, and other important data.

The District’s MFL staff, overseen by Dr. Kathleen Coates and Dr. Paul Thurman, will submit its technical assessment for Wakulla and Sally Ward springs for an independent scientific peer review this fall. Following the review, the District will refine the analyses and report as appropriate.

Rule-making activities will begin by November 1, with rule-development workshop(s) expected to occur in early 2021.

Public involvement will continue throughout the fall and during rule-making activities.

“Wakulla Spring is a highly complex system and our scientists have devoted thousands of hours to better understand its hydrology and ecology,” Coates said. “We look forward to presenting the data, analyses, and proposed minimum flows for scientific peer review and to the public.”

The 2020-21 budget also allows the District to complete its technical assessment for the coastal Floridan aquifer in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties and determine how to best manage saltwater intrusion concerns in that region.

The District will continue developing MFLs for the Gainer Spring Group, Sylvan Spring Group, and Williford Spring Group along Econfina Creek and Jackson Blue Spring in Jackson County.

Gov. DeSantis announces $50 million for springs projects

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WEEKI WACHEE — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $50 million for more than 20 statewide springs restoration projects to aid the recovery and provide additional protection for Florida’s springs. These projects work in concert with increased monitoring, enforcement, and other measures to ensure compliance with best management practices implemented under the Governor’s leadership to improve water quality across the state.

“Florida’s springs are integral to both our economy and environment,” said Governor DeSantis. “Our state is home to more large springs than any other state in the nation and they serve as a fun source of recreation for our residents and visitors to enjoy. The projects announced today continue our mission to restore and protect our water quality throughout Florida.”

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEP is engaged in a broad suite of water quality improvement efforts across the state,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “Of particular importance to the state are those projects tied to springs restoration. This diverse selection of projects will be complemented and enhanced by Department initiatives to increase facility inspections, water quality monitoring, and enforcement.”

“Florida’s springs are among our most precious water resources,” said Chief Science Officer Dr. Tom Frazer. “They reflect the quality of our drinking water and nourish some of the most iconic surface waters in the state. The projects announced by Governor DeSantis today are intended to increase spring flows and improve water quality so that these springs systems and the resources that they support can be accessed and enjoyed by generations to come.”

Springs provide a window into Florida’s vast groundwater system and are a barometer of the condition of the state’s primary source of drinking water. DEP and four Florida water management districts have identified a broad suite of projects that include land acquisition, septic to sewer conversion, and water quality improvement efforts, intended to increase aquifer recharge, improve spring flow, and protect downstream habitats all the way to the coast.

Many of the projects, including those below, will benefit ongoing restoration efforts in springsheds. These restoration efforts reflect a collaborative effort with the department, water management districts, community leaders and local stakeholders. The contributions and cooperation of these agencies and individuals have been crucial throughout the development process. Combining and leveraging resources from various agencies across Florida allows for a more efficient and comprehensive restoration effort.

The more than 20 statewide springs projects include:

Northwest Florida Water Management District:

  • $1.1 million to extend central sewer service to the Tara Estates neighborhood located north of Marianna, including abandoning septic tanks proximate to the Chipola River.

“We are excited to help carry forward Governor DeSantis and DEP’s unparalleled commitment to the long-term improvement and protection of Florida’s priceless springs and other water resources,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “The District, like the governor, is focused on tangible solutions and we are grateful for the opportunity to help deliver results.”

Southwest Florida Water Management District:

  • A total of more than $8.3 million for projects in Marion County that will help protect Rainbow Springs, including Burkitt Road Septic to Sewer, Northwest Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, Oak Bend I-75 Water Quality Improvement and the 180th Avenue Package Plant Abatement.

“Improving our five first-magnitude springs is a top priority for our District,” said Brian Armstrong, Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. “Thanks to the ongoing financial support from the Governor, the Legislature and DEP for springs restoration, we are launching a new initiative to fund septic to sewer conversion projects that will reduce nutrients and improve the health of our springs.”

St. Johns River Water Management District

  • $1.1 million for the Apopka West Reuse Storage Facility and Reclaimed Water Extension project that will provide nearly 3.48 million gallons per day of reclaimed water, benefiting Wekiwa and Rock springs.

“Protecting Florida’s springs is among our state’s highest environmental priorities,” said Dr. Ann Shortelle, Executive Director of the St. Johns River Water Management District. “The Governor’s increased focus is providing historic levels of funding to bolster district and local funds and enhancing our joint environmental initiatives. We are also grateful for FDEP’s commitment to helping us fund projects improving the health of Florida’s springs and their ecosystems.”

Suwannee River Water Management District

  • A total of more than $2.3 million for the acquisition of more than 3,600 acres of land to protect springs in Columbia County Grasslands (Ichetucknee Springs), Devil’s Ear Springs Recharge (Ginnie Springs Group), Santa Fe Springs and Sawdust Spring (Sawdust and Devil’s Ear springs). The acquisition of these lands will help improve aquifer recharge potential, enhance recreational opportunities and protect native species.

“As Florida’s Springs Heartland, it is critical for us to focus on the health of our springs and connect with our community partners to accomplish that effort. Funding these projects will help protect and restore our natural systems,” said Hugh Thomas, Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District. “Thank you to Governor DeSantis, the Legislature and Florida Department of Environmental Protection for leading this initiative to protect our water resources.”

For more information on Florida’s spring restoration project funding, please visit www.floridadep.gov/springs/restoration-funding.

Sally update: All but 7 rec sites remain closed

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Following the landfall of Hurricane Sally, the Northwest Florida Water Management District re-opened seven recreation sites and continues to keep the remainder of District recreation sites and camp sites closed for public access. The following locations are now open:

Econfina Creek Water Management Area

  • Tom Johns Landing
  • White Oak Landing
  • Rattlesnake Lake North
  • Sparkleberry Pond
  • Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail
  • Fitzhugh Carter Tract

Apalachicola River Water Management Area

  • Florida River Island

Ralston, Patronis appointed to District’s Governing Board

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TALLAHASSEE — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Kellie Ralston and Nicholas “Nick” Patronis to the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board.

Kellie Ralston

Ralston, of Tallahassee, is the Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association. She has served as a fisheries management analyst for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and currently serves on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s Ad Hoc Red Snapper Private Angler Advisory Panel. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Florida State University.

Nicholas “Nick” Patronis 

Patronis, of Panama City Beach, is an owner of Captain Anderson’s Restaurant and Waterfront Market. He has served his community as a member of the Life Management Center of Northwest Florida Board of Directors, the Florida Restaurant Association, and the National Restaurant Association. Patronis attended Gulf Coast Community College.

Patronis and his family also own and manage the land around a first magnitude spring — the Gainer Springs Group — in Bay County.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

District compiles water-monitoring links to assist residents

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As Florida braces for impacts from TD 13, readers can access real-time updates on water levels at monitoring stations within the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Here are other helpful links to help track storm conditions:

Southeast River Forecast Center: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/serfc/

National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Florida Department of Emergency Management: http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp

National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/

COVID-19 update: Williford, Pitt/Sylvan recreation sites re-open

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened its recreation sites and camp sites previously closed by concerns from COVID-19.

The list of openings includes Williford Spring and Pitt and Sylvan springs day-use recreation sites. The sites at Williford and Pitt and Sylvan springs will resume normal operating hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week).

It also includes the following reservable camp sites:

  • Rattlesnake Lake North (Econfina Creek Water Management Area)
  • Sparkleberry Pond (Econfina Creek WMA)
  • Lost Lake (Choctawhatchee and Holmes Creek WMA)
  • Mystic Springs #9 Group site (Escambia River WMA)
  • Otto Hill (Perdido River WMA)

Reservations can be made by visiting the Camping Reservation System. (Note: Use Google Chrome to make reservations.)

CDC guidelines on social distancing and group sizes (no more than 50 visitors) will be enforced.

TS Cristobal update: District to close campsites in west region

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In anticipation of heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Cristobal, the Northwest Florida Water Management District is closing its reservation campsites in the west region through at least Tuesday, June 9. The campsites closed are those along within the Escambia River Water Management Area.

District re-opens campsites at 17 recreation sites

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District is re-opening camping sites at 17 recreation sites. These sites are located within the Escambia River, Choctawhatchee River and Holmes Creek, Chipola River, Apalachicola River, and Econfina Creek water management areas.

Individual sites at each of the locations can be reserved using the District’s Camping Reservation System, beginning Friday, May 22. (Note: Use Google Chrome to make reservations.)

A list of the sites re-opening:

Escambia River WMA: Bluff Springs, Cotton Lake, Keyser Landing, Mystic Springs (Sites 1-8 only), Webb Landing, and Williams Lake.

Choctawhatchee and Holmes Creek WMA: Boynton Landing, Cotton Landing, Dead River Landing, and Spurling Landing.

Chipola River WMA: Christoff Landing.

Apalachicola River WMA: Florida River Island.

Econfina Creek WMA: Pine Ridge Equestrian Trial, Walsingham Campsite, Walsingham Park, White Oak Landing, and Tom Johns Landing.

In accordance with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order restricting the gathering of large crowds, the following group camp sites remain closed: Rattlesnake Lake North (Econfina Creek WMA), Sparkleberry Pond (Econfina Creek WMA), Lost Lake (Choctawhatchee and Holmes Creek WMA), Mystic Springs Site 9 only (Escambia River WMA), and Otto Hill (Perdido River WMA).

Additionally, the District has closed Seven Runs recreation site within the Choctawhatchee and Holmes Creek Water Management Area for renovations.