DYK: Unprecedented Progress Continues into 2023

As the countdown to 2023 begins, the South Florida Water Management District is celebrating another remarkable year of unprecedented progress for Everglades restoration and water quality in Florida.

Working together with our federal, state, and local partners, the District continues to accelerate key projects that are improving the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water to the Greater Everglades ecosystem.

Plan Your Next Adventure on SFWMD’s Public Lands

As the seasons change in South Florida, long sunny days have given way to cool starry nights. The winter solstice is tomorrow, December 21, and it will be the shortest day of the year in terms of sunlight – and the longest night.  

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) offers many opportunities for you to enjoy the shorter days of the winter season and experience the beauty of the night sky on District-managed lands. 

Simple Tips to Save Water During the Holiday Season

This holiday season, you may be hosting holiday gatherings, preparing delicious feasts, washing extra dishes, and welcoming friends and family.

Did you know there are many ways you can incorporate water conservation into your holiday preparations and reduce the amount of water used around your home?

To help you use less water during this time of year, consider implementing these simple water saving tips:

Everglades National Park Celebrates 75th Anniversary

America’s iconic River of Grass is celebrating a major anniversary. Exactly 75 years ago today, on December 6, 1947, this extraordinary ecosystem – found nowhere else in the world – was formally dedicated as Everglades National Park.

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District, together with our federal, state and local partners, continues to accelerate restoration projects that protect the Everglades and ensure this ecosystem can be enjoyed for future generations?

DYK: Hurricane Season Ends Tomorrow, but SFWMD’s Work Continues

As the 2022 hurricane season comes to a close, we’re recognizing the South Florida Water Management District’s dedicated team of employees who work all year long to support our complex system for regional drainage. Even outside of the rainy season, water managers must be prepared for rainfall and drainage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Did you know SFWMD proactively prepares year-round for significant weather events to support the District’s system of canals, levees and water control structures?

DYK: Giving Thanks to the Men and Women of the SFWMD Who Worked Over 20,000 Hours Responding to Both Hurricanes

During this season of thanksgiving and gratitude, we are showing our appreciation for our talented SFWMD employees working from Orlando to the Florida Keys to carry out the District’s public service mission. 

This year, SFWMD employees worked diligently to proactively prepare for and rapidly respond to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole. Did you know our SFWMD team worked over 20,000 hours during both hurricanes? District crews worked around-the-clock to move water away from communities and provide relief for residents who were impacted by the storms.

GIS Technology Provides Key Data to Help Protect Our Water Resources

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) uses cutting-edge GIS technology to monitor and protect South Florida’s precious water resources and ecosystems? From state-of-the-art drones to georeferenced images to highly specialized spatial data, GIS tools provide important information that help guide water management decisions throughout the District’s 16-county region.    

DYK: 2022 Florida Python Challenge® Breaks Record

A record-breaking 231 invasive Burmese pythons were removed from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem during the 2022 Florida Python Challenge®, marking the largest number of destructive snakes ever captured as part of the annual competition. 

Did you know invasive pythons are one of the most harmful invasive species in the Everglades, preying upon native birds, mammals and even alligators? Safely capturing and eliminating these destructive snakes protects native wildlife and our one-of-a-kind Everglades ecosystem.

DYK: Using Storm Data to Make Our Flood Control System More Resilient

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is using data collected before, during and after Hurricane Ian to enhance South Florida’s regional water management system and ensure its continued resiliency in the event of a future storm.

Did you know the SFWMD analyzes the impacts of hurricanes and other storm events to guide water management decisions and make enhancements to our regional flood control infrastructure?  

DYK: Expediting Debris Removal from the Drainage System in Lee County

 

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is working in partnership with Lee County to expedite the removal of storm debris left in major waterways by Hurricane Ian’s strong winds, significant rainfall, and powerful storm surge. This debris includes fallen trees, vegetation and construction material from damaged homes and properties.

Did you know that keeping canals and waterways clear of trees and other obstructions is an important component of providing flood protection throughout South Florida?