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District names Anne Rudloe 2020 ‘River and Bay Champion’

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HAVANA – The Governing Board for the Northwest Florida Water Management District today named Anne Rudloe the 2020 winner of the River and Bay Champion award.

The award is given posthumously to Rudloe, a long-time scientist, author, educator, and conservationist who co-founded Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories, Inc., in Panacea. Jack Rudloe and sons Sky and Cypress and their wives and children accepted the award.

The award is presented annually to recognize individuals who make significant contributions toward the restoration and protection of the river and bays in northwest Florida.

“Anne Rudloe’s passion for conservation and education throughout her career earned her national recognition,” said George Roberts, the Chairman of the District’s Governing Board. “But her biggest impact may be found in the thousands and thousands of children who learned about marine biology from touring the Marine Lab she founded in Panacea. No doubt, there will be scientists of tomorrow who discovered their own passion for learning thanks to Anne Rudloe’s work.”

Born in Ohio and raised in Virginia, Rudloe landed in northwest Florida as a graduate student at Florida State University where she earned her master’s degree in Oceanography in 1972 followed by a PhD in Marine Biology in 1978.

In 1980, Rudloe founded the Panacea Institute of Marine Science and she and her husband, Jack, founded Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories, Inc., in 1990 as a non-profit teaching laboratory. It is believed more than a quarter-million school-age children have toured the Marine Lab where they were introduced to the creatures that inhabit the bays in northwest Florida.

Rudloe authored five books, including “Priceless Florida,” and had articles published in national publications as diverse as National Geographic and Sports Illustrated. Her work to help conserve wetlands in the Big Bend area of Florida led to her winning the National Wetlands Award for Education and Research by the Environmental Law Institute in 2014.

Her contributions as a scientist, educator, author, and conservationist led to the formation of the Anne Rudloe Environmental Education Center where her work will inspire others to become champions for the protection of the rivers and bays across northwest Florida and beyond.

“My family and I are deeply honored to accept this award on behalf of our wife and mother. Anne dedicated her life to teaching the next generation about the importance of our ecosystems using our local bays and rivers as her classroom,” Jack Rudloe said. “Through her teachings at the FSU Center for Professional Development and Gulf Specimen Marine Lab she provided a voice for our coastal areas and helped to grow Champions of the future. We are proud to continue her legacy through our work every day at Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory in Panacea.”

The Rudloe family was presented with a plaque and a “River and Bay Champion” bowl with a permanent nameplate memorializing Anne Rudloe’s selection as the 2020 winner. The bowl will remain on display at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters.

Winners of the River and Bay Champion award:

2018: Senator Bill Montford
2019: Graham Lewis
2020: Anne Rudloe

District re-opening popular Econfina Creek rec sites

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District is re-opening three of its most popular recreation sites along Econfina Creek on Saturday.

The day-use recreation sites at Williford Spring, Pitt/Sylvan springs, and Blue Spring will each re-open at 8 a.m. Saturday. All three day-use sites will return to normal operating hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week).

“We are so lucky to live in this part of the state and to have access to some of the most beautiful springs in Florida,” said George Roberts, chairman of the District’s Governing Board. “For the thousands and thousands of our neighbors who were impacted by Hurricane Michael, re-opening these sites will hopefully provide another small step back to normal.”

The sites at Williford and Pitt/Sylvan springs took extensive damage from Michael, and the District staggered cleanup efforts to allow for public access during the warmer months.

With the re-opening, visitors can use the picnic pavilions, composting toilets, boardwalks, and nature trails. Both sites include stair access to the springs for swimming. (A trail and boardwalk to Sylvan Spring remains temporarily closed.)

“I grew up swimming in the springs up and down Econfina Creek and I know how special they are for the people in northwest Florida,” said Governing Board member Nick Patronis, who represents Bay and Washington counties. “Providing safe public access to the springs on lands we manage is one of the most important missions we have at the water management district.”

The cleanup work at Blue Spring coincided with a previously planned restoration project. In addition to renovating the day-use site at Blue Spring, District staff added three new campsites – each available for free through an online reservation system.

The Blue Spring day-use site features an ADA-compliant ramp and stairs for access to the spring, three picnic pavilions, portable toilets, and parking. Improvements to the site also include an overlook deck with a view of the spring vent and a pedestrian bridge over a separate karst feature.

All three recreation sites can be accessed off State Road 20 between State Road 77 and U.S. Route 231. For more information on these sites and for instructions on how to reserve a campsite, visit: https://nwfwp.sgssys.info/Lands/Recreation

Anticipated funds announced for springs restoration, alternative water supply projects

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The District announces the anticipated availability of FY 2021-2022 grant and cost-share funds for springs restoration and for alternative water supply development projects. Applications are due Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

Springs Restoration and Protection

Current funding opportunities support land acquisitions to protect springs and capital projects that protect the quality and quantity of water that flows to and from springs. For more information, click here.

For Agricultural Best Management Practices springs funding opportunities, please visit the District’s Agriculture page and Jackson Blue Spring Grant Funding Programs.

Alternative Water Supply Development

Current funding opportunities support alternative water supply development projects that include, for example, reuse of reclaimed water, water conservation, and storm and surface water development. For more information, click here.

Other funding or cooperative cost-share opportunities are occasionally available to support priority projects consistent with the District’s mission and areas of responsibility. For more information, contact Darryl Boudreau at (850) 539-5999 or Darryl.Boudreau@yopmail.com.

Zeta update: Western region recreation sites closed Wednesday

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In anticipation of possible impacts from Tropical Storm Zeta, the District is canceling all camping reservations for Tuesday and Wednesday nights at sites in in the Western region.

All day-use sites in the Western region will be closed Wednesday.

The Western region includes sites along the Blackwater, Escambia, Perdido, and Yellow rivers as well as Garcon Point.

In addition, the District’s field office in Milton will be closed Wednesday.

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.