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TALLAHASSEE — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Theodore “Ted” Everett and the reappointment of Nicholas “Nick” Patronis and George Roberts to the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board.

Ted Everett

Everett, of Chipley, is the Executive Director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. He serves as the Chairman for Opportunity Florida and as a board member for Northwest Florida Community Hospital. Everett earned his associate degree in forestry from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Augusta University.

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 State College.

George Roberts

Roberts, of Panama City Beach, is the Vice President of Roberts and Roberts, Inc. He is a former member of the Development Board of Directors for Florida State University Panama City Campus. Roberts currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Transportation Builders Association.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

The Governing Board for the Northwest Florida Water Management District proclaimed the month of April as “Springs Protection Awareness Month.”

Board members passed a resolution during last week’s Governing Board meeting to recognize the work done by District staff to restore and protect springs in northwest Florida.

The District’s boundaries stretch from Escambia County in the west to the western part of Jefferson County in the east and includes more than 250 springs.

The resolution passed by the Board is 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

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

That April 2022 is recognized as “Springs Protection Awareness Month.”

HAVANA – On Friday, April 8, the Northwest Florida Water Management District conducted a prescribed burn on approximately 2,000 acres within the Garcon Point Water Management Area in Santa Rosa County, a parcel which had not been burned since March 14, 2017.

Careful planning, including consultation with the Florida Forest Service, takes place before the District conducts any prescribed burn. A variety of factors are analyzed, including fuel type, fuel moisture, relative humidity, air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and many others.

All prescribed burns conducted by the District are authorized by the Florida Forest Service, which has exclusive authority of most prescribed burns in the state.

The Florida Forest Service accepted the District’s burn plan and issued authorization on Thursday, April 7, (authorization #2022033462) and then again on the morning of April 8 (this time, verbally).

After authorization was received, the prescribed burn began at 9 a.m. on April 8. Approximately two-and-a-half hours later, the wind direction shifted and caused the fire to break containment in the northeastern portion of the property.

District staff and staff from Florida Forest Service immediately concentrated efforts on containment. Thanks to the hard work of all involved, the fire in that area was contained late that afternoon.

The District conducts between 60-70 prescribed burns each year totaling approximately 8,000-10,000 acres.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District plans to conduct a prescribed burn on the southeast portion of Garcon Point Water Management Area in Santa Rosa County ​on Friday, April 8.

This burn will be conducted only under proper weather conditions and with approval from the Florida Forest Service, which authorizes prescribed burning in the state. Pending review of Friday morning’s weather conditions and final authorization from the Florida Forest Service, the prescribed burn will begin at approximately 9 a.m. (Central).

Prescribed fire plays a critical role in reducing the accumulation of vegetative fuel, which can become dangerously high and increase the risk of wildfire. Prescribed fires reduce these fuel levels in natural communities under controlled conditions – protecting life and property and improving these natural communities that support many of Florida’s rare and endangered plant and animal species which are dependent on periodic fire.

Friday’s prescribed burn goals are to eliminate dead or fallen trees and any undergrowth that could potentially fuel a wildfire and provide ecological enhancement of this wet prairie/savannah ecosystem. It is planned as a ground-based ignition with the use of specialized, low-ground pressure equipment. Prescribed fire personnel and the equipment needed to conduct the prescribed burn in a safe manner will be on site.

The prescribed burn is expected to cover approximately 2,045 acres.

Governor Ron DeSantis today reappointed Anna Upton to the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board.

Upton, of Tallahassee, is the General Counsel and Vice President of Government Affairs at the Everglades Foundation. She is a recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in the areas of business litigation, environmental litigation, civil litigation defense, and employment and labor law. Upton earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wake Forest University and her juris doctor from Stetson University College of Law.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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

The hunt included four wounded veterans and took place February 2-5 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, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“This is the ninth 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 Lyle Seigler, 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.”

Hunters arrived at the Econfina Creek Water Management Area on Wednesday afternoon to set up their camping arrangements, sight their rifles, and attend a hunter-safety briefing. District staff provided meals and snacks throughout the hunt, highlighted by a steak cookout Thursday evening.

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.

HAVANA – Lyle Seigler has been appointed Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District by its Governing Board.

Seigler replaces Brett Cyphers, who resigned to care for his oldest daughter as she undergoes cancer treatments. Cyphers served as the Executive Director for eight years and as the Assistant Executive Director for two years.

“Our hearts are with Brett as he focuses on what is most important right now – his daughter and her health and his family,” Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “We appreciate all he has accomplished for the residents of northwest Florida and applaud his dedication to protecting the precious natural resources in our part of the state.

“We are fortunate to have Lyle ready to step into this position and continue to guide the dedicated and talented staff at the District as they continue to best serve northwest Florida. Lyle has shown in his previous roles at the District he is more than ready for this assignment.”

Seigler has served as the District’s Chief of Staff for the past two years. Prior to that, he was the Director of the District’s Regulatory Division.

“Our entire staff was heartbroken to learn of Brett’s decision, but we will continue to support him and his family as they navigate through this challenge,” Seigler said. “I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to build upon the successes Brett has overseen and look forward to working with our Governing Board and staff to continue to serve the residents of northwest Florida.”

Seigler’s previous work experience includes stints as an administrator with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, and as County Administrator for Walton County.

Seigler’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District announced Wednesday the anticipated availability of Fiscal Year 2022-23 funding assistance for springs restoration and alternative water supply projects in northwest Florida.

Applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

The application form, guidelines, and more information can be found on the Funding Programs page on the District’s website.

Any awards under this program are subject to approval by the District’s Governing Board and by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the availability of state funding, and must be approved in the District’s FY 2022-2023 Adopted Budget.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District joined representatives from Wakulla County on Tuesday to announce the opening of the E. Guy Revell, Jr., Nature Trail Conservation Area.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony also featured Guy and Rachel Revell, State Sen. Loranne Ausley and representatives from the office of State Rep. Jason Shoaf as well as the Department of Environmental Protection.

“Ensuring the long-term preservation of this property is a tremendous accomplishment for the state of Florida, Governor DeSantis, and the water management district,” said Anna Upton, a member of the District’s Governing Board. “The creation of this recreation site for the public to enjoy also speaks to the values of Mr. Revell, who decided to prioritize conservation over development.”

The 131-acre recreation site is located on land the District acquired from Mr. Revell and features a walking/jogging/cycling trail that weaves around and through the property as well as parking areas, picnic pavilion, restroom facility, and viewing access to karst features on the property.

“I was able to visit this property several years ago with Mr. Revell, who is a longtime family friend,” said State Sen. Loranne Ausley, who represents 11 counties including Wakulla County. “Guy’s vision was always to make this beautiful land available to the public while also protecting our world famous Wakulla Springs. Thanks so much to the Revell Family, the County and the water management district for working together to make this dream a lasting legacy for generations to come. As a runner and a cyclist, I look forward to enjoying the beautiful E. Guy Revell, Jr., Nature Trail Conservation Area.”

The recreation site will be maintained through a joint agreement between the District and Wakulla County.

“This is a great example of what can happen when the government agencies work together with private citizens to create something positive,” said State Rep. Jason Shoaf, who represents Wakulla County. “This partnership would not have happened without Mr. Revell, who wanted to make sure this land that is so special to him will be preserved for generations to come.”

The District previously acquired more than 250 acres in Wakulla County from Mr. Revell to help preserve sensitive land with a connection to Wakulla Spring. As part of the acquisition, the District agreed to a fee simple purchase of 131.49 acres and a conservation easement on 124.73 acres for a total of $944,895.

Both parcels are within the Wakulla Springs and Upper Wakulla River Basin Management Action Plan Priority Focus Area II.

“Wakulla County is honored to be a partner with the Northwest Florida Water Management District on this project,” Wakulla County Administrator David Edwards said. “The Guy Revell Nature Trail will be another great nature-based amenity for our citizens and visitors.”

After working with the County to design the trail system, District staff cleared nearly three miles of trails suitable for walking, jogging, or cycling. The recreation site, located on the 131-acre parcel, contains natural upland and wetland forest and several karst features.

“This land holds a special place in my heart, and I am happy to see it preserved in this manner so future generations can enjoy a piece of Old Florida,” Revell said.

The E. Guy Revell, Jr., Nature Trail Conservation Area is located at 198 Maplewood Drive in Crawfordville and will be open from 8 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week. The recreation site is free for all visitors.