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District names Bishop its inaugural ‘Partner of the Year’ award winner

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MARIANNA – Jackson County farmer Craig Bishop was named the inaugural winner of the “Partner of the Year” award on Thursday by the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The award will be presented annually to recognize individuals or groups who work with the District to make significant contributions toward the protection of the natural resources in northwest Florida.

Bishop, who owns and operates Bishop Farms, has partnered with the District in a variety of programs and projects focused on improving water quality and reducing water-use demands within the Jackson Blue Spring basin.

“In addition to being a well-respected farmer and member of our community, Craig exemplifies the commitment to water resource stewardship that Governor Scott and our District look for in its partners,” Governing Board member John Alter said.

Bishop Farms first enrolled in the District’s Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share program in 2013 by retrofitting or modifying the equipment he uses on his farms to reduce his usage of water. The upgraded equipment also reduced the amount of fertilizer used on his acreage.

Bishop Farms has continued participating in the BMP Cost-Share program each year since 2013. Last year, Bishop Farms became one of the first participants in the new Grass-Based Rotation program designed to further reduce the amount of fertilizers used in the Jackson Blue Spring basin.

“Mr. Bishop has embraced the use of new technologies and farming practices to not only become a more productive producer but also to become an even better steward of the water resources in Jackson County,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “He has been an eager participant in the District’s efforts to improve water quality in Jackson County and his leadership has encouraged others to take part in our programs.”

Bishop was presented with a “Partner of the Year” plaque and a permanent nameplate memorializing his selection as the 2018 winner on a trophy housed at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters.

Rabies alert issued for southeast Washington County

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The Florida Department of Health has issued a rabies alert for the Greenhead area in southeast Washington County near Rattlesnake Pond. This is in response to a fox testing positive for rabies recently near this geographic location.

The following recreation sites managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District are within the alert area: Rattlesnake Lake South, Rattlesnake Lake North, Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail, Florida National Scenic Trail, and Hammock Lake.

Visitors to the following recreation sites should also exercise caution: Whitewater Lake, Tom Johns Landing, Williford Spring, and Pitt Spring.

The recent rabies alert is for 60 days.

All residents and visitors in Washington County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Washington County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under an alert.

An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure, will protect an exposed person from the disease.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
  • Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property.  If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-265-3676.
  • Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.
  • Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
  • Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
  • Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the DOH-Washington at 850-638-6240.

For further information on rabies, go to http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html, or contact DOH-Washington at 850-638-6240.

District provides nearly $350,000 for Eastpoint water system upgrades

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HAVANA – A grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District helped the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District increase the quality of its potable water supply while reducing the amount of water the system uses.

The District’s grant of $343,152 helped complete a project that began in the early 2000s to end Eastpoint Water and Sewer District’s reliance on a pair of coastal water supply wells. These wells had shown signs of increased chloride levels and poor water quality from saltwater intrusion. Because of the increased chloride levels, the wells had to be flushed periodically.

The initial project saw the construction of two inland test wells, which were later converted to potable supply wells.

The Eastpoint Water and Sewer District provides water for 1,536 residents in Franklin County.

“Without support from the Legislature and the water management district, smaller communities throughout northwest Florida would have a hard time finding the funding for much-needed projects like these,” State Sen. Bill Montford said. “The water management district and its Governing Board share my commitment to the rural communities in our area and I appreciate the local leaders in Eastpoint for their efforts in improving the quality of water for their residents.”

The most recent project added a well pump, controls and backup generator as well as a transmission line and connections. These upgrades will allow Eastpoint Water and Sewer District to abandon the two coastal wells and use the two inland wells as the primary source for potable water for its customers.

The project also saw $39,581 in local matching funds, bringing the overall funding for the work to $382,733.

“This project not only helped the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District to alleviate the problem of salt water intrusion into our system, but also improve the water quality for the customers of the District,” Franklin County District 1 Commissioner Ricky Jones said. “We are not a large District, but we will continue to pursue partnerships that will benefit the District and will benefit the Apalachicola Bay.”

The newer wells feature improved water quality and also reduce the amount of water lost in the system from the older wells.

“This project ensures the residents of Eastpoint have access to a safe and reliable supply of water, which is another example of how the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program has been such a success,” District Governing Board member Bo Spring said. “Our District takes tremendous pride in working with local communities to fund these types of projects that make such a positive impact.”

The funding is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, which launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.6 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 projects funded under this program, please visit https://nwfwater.com//Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants.

District names Beshears its inaugural ‘Springs Champion’ award winner

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HAVANA – State Representative Halsey Beshears was named the inaugural winner of the “Springs Champion” award on Thursday by the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The award will be presented annually to recognize individuals who make significant contributions toward the restoration and protection of the springs in northwest Florida.

“As we began the process of selecting a winner for this award, Rep. Beshears’ name quickly rose to the top based on his tireless support for this Board’s and Governor Scott’s efforts to restore springs throughout northwest Florida,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “Thanks to his work with Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature, and DEP Secretary Valenstein, we have seen nearly $71 million committed to restoring and protecting northwest Florida’s springs in the last five years.”

Rep. Beshears’ district includes Calhoun, Gulf, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, and Lafayette counties.

Among the highlights of springs projects in Rep. Beshears’ district in 2017-2018 are:

  • Funding for septic-to-sewer projects for the protection of Wakulla Spring
  • Funding for land acquisitions for the protection of Wakulla Spring
  • Funding for the restoration and improvements at recently acquired Horn Spring, a second magnitude spring near Natural Bridge State Park
  • Funding for the continued development of Minimum Flows and Minimum Levels for St. Marks Rise and Wakulla and Sally Ward springs

“There are plenty of ‘Springs Champions’ who share my passion for the health and well-being of the springs in northwest Florida,” Rep. Beshears said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with springs champions such as Governor Scott, Secretary Valenstein, and the Governing Board and staff of the water management district.”

Rep. Beshears was presented with a “Springs Champion” bowl with a permanent nameplate memorializing his selection as the 2018 winner. The bowl will remain on display at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters.

Pictured above: Governing Board chairman George Roberts (left) and State Representative Halsey Beshears.

District grant pays for Rosedale Water System upgrades

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Nearly $275,000 in grant funding from the Northwest Florida Water Management District helped make significant upgrades to the Rosedale Water System, located in an unincorporated area of Gadsden County.

The funding, part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, allowed Rosedale Water System to replace its transmission main, which includes 6,300 feet of waterline and appurtenant structures. The $271,222 grant also paid for the installation of automated water meters which will help identify the severity and location of water loss within the system.

The city of Chattahoochee owns and operates a permitted Public Water System that provides water to the 184 residents of the Rosedale community.

“A quality water supply is essential for a higher quality of life and I am thankful the water management district shares my commitment to rural communities across northwest Florida,” State Sen. Bill Montford said. “I also appreciate the local leaders in Chattahoochee for working with the District to make these necessary upgrades on behalf of their residents.”

The Rosedale Water System’s existing master meter and booster plant were recently upgraded as part of another project utilizing funds received through a legislative appropriation. The current project completed the much-needed upgrades to the water system to reduce water loss, operation and maintenance expenditures, and groundwater withdrawals.

“Our Water Supply Development Grant program has provided millions of dollars in recent years to help smaller communities throughout northwest Florida,” District Governing Board member Jon Costello said. “We are proud to work with local governments to fund projects like these that make such a positive impact in our communities.”

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 isshttps://nwfwp.sgssys.info/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grantsues. Two-thirds of the projects are in rural or financially disadvantaged communities.

For more information on projects funded under this program, please visit https://nwfwp.sgssys.info/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants.

District provides $300,000 to city of Gretna for water system upgrades

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HAVANA – The city of Gretna is one step closer to an improved water system thanks to a grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The District recently provided $300,000 in funding for the city to design and permit water system upgrades that, upon development, will triple the amount of water storage and nearly double the rate at which that water can be transmitted through the system.

The Gretna water system serves approximately 1,500 residents.

“Providing a safe and reliable water supply is not only important for the residents of Gretna but it helps spur economic growth in the area,” State Sen. Bill Montford said. “Support for these types of projects is so important for smaller communities in northwest Florida.”

The District’s Governing Board approved initial funding for the project in 2014 and approved additional funding in 2015. The $300,000 paid for the design and permitting of a new 12-inch transmission main, two new wells and related equipment, and two new 300,000 gallon storage tanks and related pumps and equipment.

“The District takes great pride in working with local governments to provide a quality source of water while also protecting the area’s precious natural resources,” District Governing Board member Marc Dunbar said. “These upgrades will not only increase the city’s water storage but prepare the city for future growth while also increasing fire safety for the community.”

Once completed, the city’s storage capacity will increase from 300,000 gallons to 900,000 gallons and the supply rate will increase from 700 gallons per minute to 1,300 gallons per minute.

“Gretna’s project is another great example of the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s firm commitment to helping communities in the District to expand water capacity,” Gretna city manager Antonio Jefferson said. “Without the District’s partnership on this project, our city would have struggled financially to raise the money needed for completion.”

The funding is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, which launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.6 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 projects funded under this program, please visit https://nwfwater.com/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants.

District grant helps increase water supply for Fairpoint Regional Utility System

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HAVANA – A grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District helped the Fairpoint Regional Utility System develop plans to increase water supply capacity while also reducing water withdrawals from the coastal Floridan aquifer.

The District’s grant of $87,505 helped pay for the planning, design, surveying, and permitting for the development of a new potable water supply well and 13,800 feet of 12-inch transmission line.

“Having a safe and reliable source of clean water in Santa Rosa County is absolutely essential, and we are happy to be part of this effort,” State Sen. Doug Broxson said. “This $87,505 grant will help achieve this critical need for our area.  I appreciate the hard work of local leaders and the water management district to collaborate and fund this project.”

The Fairpoint Regional Utility System serves residents in Santa Rosa County.

“The design work for this water supply well is the first step to providing a new source of safe and reliable water for the residents of Santa Rosa County,” Rep. Frank White said. “I appreciate the effort by the water management district and its Governing Board to bring this phase of the project to completion.”

The new well and transmission line are intended to provide water from the Sand-and-Gravel aquifer and reduce the amount of water withdrawn from the Floridan aquifer – a primary source of potable water in northwest Florida.

“It is satisfying to see how our efforts in the Legislature to provide funding for water supply are making a difference in our local communities,” Rep. Jayer Williamson said. “I appreciate the water management district and its Governing Board for making the funding of these types of projects a priority.”

Once the design and permitting phases of the project are completed, construction is expected to begin immediately on the installation of the new well and transmission line.

“The District takes tremendous pride in working with our neighbors throughout northwest Florida on projects like these,” District Governing Board member Gus Andrews said. “The ability to provide a source for more potable water while decreasing the withdrawals from the Floridan aquifer shows our commitment to protecting this area’s precious natural resources.”

The funding is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, which launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.6 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 projects funded under this program, please visit https://nwfwp.sgssys.info//Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants.

District plants its 15 millionth longleaf pine tree

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WASHINGTON COUNTY – A turnout of state and local government leaders celebrated a milestone Friday as the Northwest Florida Water Management District planted its 15 millionth longleaf pine tree on public lands.

The planting ceremony took place within the Econfina Creek Water Management Area and featured Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein as well as county commissioners from Washington County and several other key stakeholders.

“Planting trees and restoring forests are something we take a lot of pride in here in northwest Florida,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the District’s Governing Board. “We understand the significant role the longleaf pine habitat plays in protecting water resources for the residents in our District.”

Once other plantings are completed this month, the District will have planted nearly 15.1 million longleaf pines since 1993. In that same 25-year period, the District has also planted an additional 1.6 million other trees, including cypress and other hardwoods, to bring the overall total tree plantings to nearly 17 million.

“It’s an honor to join the District on Florida Arbor Day to celebrate 15 million longleaf pine trees,” Valenstein said. “The Department is committed to continuing to work with the District and our local partners to restore natural habitat and protect our state’s prized properties in northwest Florida and statewide.”

The District has also planted more than 6.6 million wiregrass tubelings – a key component to a healthy longleaf ecosystem.

The longleaf pine is a critical piece of northern Florida ecosystems. The tree’s presence helps improve plant species diversity and provides wildlife habitat for animal and insect species. It also provides erosion control and natural fuel for effective prescribed burns.

Current funding for the planting project of 478,434 trees came largely from state support and through the District’s timber sales and was complemented by an additional $54,612 from the Arbor Day Foundation and $15,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

“The Arbor Day Foundation salutes the Northwest Florida Water Management District for their strong commitment to protecting and preserving Florida watersheds,” said Brad Brandt, Manager of Forest Operations for the Arbor Day Foundation. “Their commitment to tree planting serves as an example to others in the industry to the possibilities that tree plantings bring to their projects.”

Through the years, the District has also received funding for other plantings from the Longleaf Stewardship Fund, a partnership between The Nature Conservancy in Florida, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Gulf Power and Southern Company, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Defense, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“The Northwest Florida Water Management District should be congratulated for reaching such a significant milestone in protecting water resources and restoring the longleaf ecosystem,” said Vernon Compton, the Longleaf Alliance’s Director of the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership. “The LLA values the partnership we have with the District and admires the impressive restoration work that it has accomplished.”

District office in Crestview is closed today (Jan. 17)

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The District’s office in Crestview is closed today (Jan. 17) because of the weather. Local government offices in Okaloosa County are also closed because of dangerous road conditions. The District’s Headquarters in Midway is open and can be reached at (850) 539-5999.