District names Wakulla Springs Alliance its 2019 Springs Champion

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HAVANA – The Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District named the Wakulla Springs Alliance the 2019 recipient of the “Springs Champion” award.

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

“The Wakulla Springs Alliance focuses its efforts on shining a light on one of the most beautiful springs in the world,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “I appreciate the meaningful partnership that has been developed between the District and the Alliance as we all do our part to follow the vision and leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida legislature, and DEP Secretary Valenstein to protect and preserve Wakulla Spring. The Alliance’s enormous efforts to build community support for restoration and protection efforts within the Wakulla Spring watershed cannot be understated.”

The Alliance is comprised of scientists and other community leaders with expertise in local hydrology, land use planning, local government, water use, and education. Members of the group have conducted dye-trace studies and collected other data to learn more about water flow in and out of Wakulla Spring.

Staff members from the District regularly attend Alliance meetings and are periodically invited to provide updates on projects impacting Wakulla Spring.

“This is a great honor, which I accept for the Wakulla Springs Alliance, to be recognized as a Springs Champion for protecting the biggest, deepest, and most mysterious spring in the world, Wakulla Spring,” Wakulla Springs Alliance chair Sean McGlynn said. “May she flow forever.”

The Wakulla Springs Alliance was presented with a “Springs Champion” bowl with a permanent nameplate memorializing its selection as the 2019 winner. The bowl will remain on display at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters.

Former State Representative Halsey Beshears was named the inaugural Springs Champion in 2018.

Recent award winners

Springs Champion Award: Representative Halsey Beshears (2018); Wakulla Springs Alliance (2019)
River and Bay Champion Senator Bill Montford (2018); Dr. Graham Lewis (2019)
Partner of the Year: Craig Bishop/Bishop Farms (2018); The Nature Conservancy in Florida (2019)