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The Governing Board for the Northwest Florida Water Management District passed a resolution at its recent Board meeting proclaiming April as “Springs Protection Awareness Month.”

The resolution reads as follows:

WHEREAS, northwest Florida is home to more than 250 springs, including five first magnitude springs, and

WHEREAS, springs are essential to the environment, economy, residents of, and visitors to, northwest Florida, and

WHEREAS, springs also provide important recreational resources and opportunities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, and

WHEREAS, healthy springs reflect the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s commitment to water resource protection,

NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District:

That April 2023 is recognized as “Springs Protection Awareness Month.”

TALLAHASSEE — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced nearly $75 million for 30 statewide springs restoration projects to aid the recovery of and provide additional protection for Florida’s springs. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (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 springs and their spring runs. A list of projects funded today can be found here.

“Florida’s world-renowned springs are important 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 the projects announced today continue our mission to restore and protect them for current and future generations.”

“Governor DeSantis has championed water quality across the state,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “As a result, Florida is better positioned to meet its water quality challenges, including nutrients in our iconic springs. We look forward to working with our partners in the water management districts, local governments, and other community leaders to implement these projects that will augment our ongoing restoration efforts.”

“Florida’s springs are among our most precious water resources,” said Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains. “This diverse selection of projects will be complemented by existing DEP initiatives to increase facility inspections, water quality monitoring, and enforcement to restore this resource that defines our state.”

The selected projects reflect a collaborative effort with the DEP 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.

Examples of the 30 statewide springs projects include:

Northwest Florida Water Management District:

• $2.5 million for the Agricultural Best Management Practices Producer Cost Share Grant Program to benefit Jackson Blue and the Chipola River springs. This funding will enable the district to continue its agricultural cost-share program, expanding to the Chipola groundwater contribution area and including the Jackson Basin Management Action Plan springs area. This project will assist approximately 50 producers with retrofits and precision agricultural equipment to restore and protect springs.

“With the expansion of our cost-share program, producers in northwest Florida are able to further meet stewardship goals to help protect and preserve our springs,” said Lyle Seigler, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “The continued support from Gov. DeSantis and DEP shows protecting our precious natural resources remains a priority throughout the state.”

Southwest Florida Water Management District:

• $10 million for the South Highlands Septic to Sewer Project Design to benefit the Chassahowitzka-Homosassa springs basin. This project is for the permitting and construction of a sanitary sewer collection system which will remove from service a minimum of 69 residential septic tanks existing in the City of Inverness south service area. Connection fees are included in the funding request. This project is Phase 1 of 5.

“Our springs are an incredible natural resource that we are committed to protecting,” said Brian Armstrong, Southwest Florida Water Management District Executive Director. “Working together with the Governor, DEP, and our local government partners, we are making a difference in the water quality of our springs by taking septic tanks offline, which are contributing significant nitrogen pollution to the spring systems.”

St. Johns River Water Management District

• $894,500 for the Orange City Volusia Blue Spring Septic-to-Sewer Program to benefit Volusia Blue Spring. The project includes building two lift stations with collection systems and connecting 27 septic tanks in the springshed and Priority Focus Area of Volusia Blue Spring. This project provides water quality and water supply benefits.

“Springs are one of Florida’s greatest resources, and in addition to being essential to our environment, springs provide world class recreational opportunities to our residents and visitors,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “We appreciate the support of Gov. DeSantis, along with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, for their continued focus on providing critical funding to protect our springs and water resources.”

 Suwannee River Water Management District

• $800,000 for the High Springs rock mine acquisition to benefit Hornsby Spring springshed. The 316.97-acre property lies just over two miles east of the Hornsby Spring spring pool. Approximately 142 acres of open water lakes have been created by the mining operation which began in the 1950s. These lakes are between 30 to 50 feet deep and intersect the Floridan Aquifer. Acquisition of this property will eliminate ongoing impacts from mining and prevent the potential impacts from development.

“As a great place to live and do business, Florida continues to see tremendous growth,” said Hugh Thomas, Suwannee River Water Management District Executive Director. “With that growth comes the need to identify innovative ways to allow for growth while also protecting our natural resources. Funding for projects like these is beneficial to ensuring the preservation of our local springs for generations to come.”

Since 2019, under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida has invested $275 million to protect Florida’s iconic springs. This investment supports 118 projects with an estimated more than 599,135 pounds of Total Nitrogen (TN) reductions, per year. The projects announced today will provide an additional estimated 243,000 lbs/yr TN reduction.

Lists of the recent spring’s protection projects and projects funded in previous years can be found here.

 

 

HAVANA – The city of Panama City Beach and the Northwest Florida Water Management District announced the completion of the Grand Lagoon Septic-to-Sewer project, which will improve water quality for the surrounding area.

“Any time we can assist with converting septic to sewer is a win,” said Nick Patronis, a member of the District’s Governing Board who represents Bay County. “This project doesn’t just reach Grand Lagoon, but impacts the entire basin.”

The District, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, provided $71,975 in funding for the project under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Alternative Water Supply grant program to offset connection fees for residents. The city provided $429,214 for the project and is offering grants to residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

“I am proud of the collaborative work that was done to improve water quality for the community,” said Sen. George Gainer, whose district includes Panama City Beach. “This is yet another example of agencies working together to preserve resources in northwest Florida.”

Residents can apply for reimbursement of already paid sewer impact fees not to exceed $3,125 per connection beginning November 1, 2022. A public hearing to provide information on the grant program was held on October 20, 2022.

“This isn’t the first time the city of Panama City Beach has successfully addressed water quality, and it will not be the last,” said Rep. Jay Trumbull, whose district includes Panama City Beach. “I will continue to support projects just like this one so regional needs are met.”

The project will positively affect the water quality of Grand Lagoon with the construction of approximately 2,780 linear feet of gravity sewer, 97 sewer service laterals, and 11 manholes as well as facilitate the removal of approximately 55 existing septic systems which discharge within the Grand Lagoon Basin.

“Now, even more Bay County residents have access to better water quality,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the District’s Governing Board who also represents Bay County. “This is the type of project that continues to serve the community and aligns with Gov. DeSantis’ commitment to identifying and funding alternative water supply projects throughout our region.”

The District has lifted the burn ban that was put in place September 29, 2022, on all District-managed property.

PANAMA CITY BEACH – The city of Panama City Beach and the Northwest Florida Water Management District celebrated the completion of the Panama City Beach Parkway Reuse Transmission System during a special ceremony Thursday.

Officials from both agencies met at Panama City Beach’s City Hall to announce the completion of the project, which will provide access to reclaimed water for residential, commercial, recreational, and other landscape irrigation needs.

“The use of reclaimed water allows for residents and businesses and even sports complexes to continue to water their lawns while reducing the withdrawals of potable, or drinking, water,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the District’s Governing Board who also represents Bay County. “The District fully supports Gov. DeSantis’ commitment to identifying and funding alternative water supply projects throughout northwest Florida that will help to protect the precious natural resources in our area.”

The City provided $1,262,900 for the project, which was completed last month. The District, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, provided $544,900 in grant funding for the project under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Alternative Water Supply grant program.

“This project shows the importance of pursuing alternative water supply sources in our area,” said Sen. George Gainer, whose district includes Panama City Beach. “Preserving and protecting our drinking water while still meeting the needs of our community is exactly why the Florida legislature and Gov. DeSantis have worked together to fund these types of projects.”

The Parkway Reuse Transmission System will provide access to reclaimed water to more than 200 existing connections and more than 1,500 new connections. The project will also provide as much as 400,000 gallons of reclaimed water per day for the Publix Sports Park complex – a county facility which features fields for football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey.

“While this is a project implemented by Panama City Beach through a partnership with DEP and the water management district, it will positively impact our whole community,” said Rep. Jay Trumbull, whose district includes Panama City Beach. “I appreciate the leadership not just from Panama City Beach and the water management district, but from the project managers and engineers and scientists who worked to bring this project to completion.”

The Parkway Reuse Transmission System project called for the design and construction of approximately 7,350 linear feet of 20-inch PVC reclaimed water pipeline and appurtenant structures along U.S. Highway 98 (Panama City Beach Parkway) from North Glades Trail to Chip Seal Parkway.

“The city leaders from Panama City Beach deserve a lot of credit for innovative thinking to bring this project forward and manage it to completion,” said Nick Patronis, a member of the District’s Governing Board who represents Bay County. “The ability to provide water for irrigation without withdrawing potable water is a smart and sensible solution.”

Panama City Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon said the water conservation project is another example of the long-standing partnership and collaboration between the city, the state, and the District.

“All three partners are also working on septic tank elimination efforts in unincorporated portions of the City of Panama City Beach’s utilities franchise area,” Mayor Sheldon said. “The nearly complete Beach Drive utilities improvement project includes additional sewer service to areas south of Grand Lagoon and north of Beach Drive thanks to a grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District. An upcoming septic tank elimination program planned for a portion of the Laguna Beach area received a $3 million grant from the State of Florida. This partnership is sincere in conserving and protecting our area’s priceless water resources.”

The Northwest Florida Water Management District will re-open the Pitt Spring recreation site today (July 28) following the completion of maintenance and repairs. The site now resumes regular operating hours.