Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Landmark Agreement with U.S. Department of the Army to Accelerate Everglades Restoration

MARCO ISLAND, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the State of Florida and the U.S. Department of the Army have reached a landmark agreement that allows Florida to take the lead on key components of the federally funded Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), including the “crown jewel” of Everglades restoration—the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir.

Governor Ron DeSantis Celebrates Grand Opening of C-43 Reservoir, a Major Milestone in Everglades Restoration

HENDRY COUNTY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis marked the official opening of the Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir, one of the most significant Everglades restoration projects in Florida history. Joined by state, local, and environmental leaders, Governor DeSantis celebrated the completion of the 10,000-acre reservoir that will improve water quality, protect coastal ecosystems, and expand Florida’s water storage capacity.

Registration Now Open for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge™

Are you looking to help raise awareness about nonnative species and remove invasive Burmese pythons from our treasured Everglades ecosystem? Register for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge™!

The event is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District. An exciting addition to this year’s event is the inclusion of Everglades National Park as one of eight official Florida Python Challenge™ competition locations.

Stringent Water Shortage Restrictions Are Now in Effect in Northeastern Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - In order to continue to protect groundwater in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, the South Florida Water Management District (District) issued a Water Shortage Order imposing Modified Phase IV Water Shortage restrictions in a designated area of Northeastern Cape Coral in Lee County for residents and businesses that use private wells for irrigation. This restriction does not apply to homes and businesses on city water.  

Record Low Water Levels in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer in Northeastern Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - In order to continue to protect groundwater in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, the South Florida Water Management District's (District) Governing Board authorized the District's Executive Director to issue a Water Shortage Order imposing Modified Phase IV Water Shortage restrictions if/when the water levels in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer decline below the "future action level" of -93.01 feet for two consecutive weeks. As of April 9, 2025, the water level at the USGS Monitoring Well L-4820 in the water shortage area is at -91.68 feet. 

2025 South Florida Environmental Report Highlights Everglades Restoration Progress

The South Florida Water Management District (District) today released the 2025 South Florida Environmental Report (SFER) underscoring the continued progress for Everglades restoration and water quality across Central and Southern Florida.

The annual SFER report highlights record hydration and improvement of water quality, momentum for sending more water south, groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings of major Everglades restoration projects, and many other important milestones for the resiliency of the region’s water resources and ecosystems.