The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee offer some of the best boating and fishing opportunities in Central and South Florida. Navigation locks throughout this interconnected system ensure that it is accessible for public recreation.

Did you know there are 11 locks maintained by the South Florida Water Management District? It takes about 15 minutes to "lock" through most structures. This service is free to boaters locking through during normal operating hours.   

When severe weather approaches South Florida, our staff closely monitor the storm and prepare the water management system for excessive rainfall. Canals are lowered to allow the flood control system to operate at full capacity, and our professional staff coordinate with local governments to strongly encourage all local drainage districts to prepare their systems for excess stormwater. 

Today Gov. Ron DeSantis joined the South Florida Water Management District to celebrate the completion of an important milestone for Everglades restoration: the removal of nearly six miles of the Old Tamiami Trail roadbed! 

Everyone loves South Florida’s subtropical climate – including invasive plants and animals! Invasive species are well-established throughout South Florida’s natural habitats; this invasion can result in the displacement of native species, loss of habitat, alteration of hydrology, changes in natural fire conditions and degradation of public use areas.

Did You Know: the South Florida Water Management District is the largest water management district in Florida and has nine Governing Board members who set policy for the agency? The Governing Board members work to advance the restoration of the Everglades, the largest ecosystem restoration effort in the world. In addition, they oversee thousands of miles of flood control infrastructure and ensure water for millions of Florida families and businesses.

Many South Florida residents irrigate their yards year-round, with more than 50% of annual home water use being used for outdoor watering or irrigation. However, it is not uncommon for residents to apply double the amount of water (or more) than actually needed to maintain a healthy, vibrant landscape. South Florida yards normally only need to be irrigated up to twice a week for 15 minutes.  

Did you know? Smart irrigation helps water users save money while protecting South Florida's water resources? A win/win.

The South Florida Water Management District operates hundreds of structures and thousands of miles of canals/levees all to move water and support flood control in South Florida. But it’s not just our agency that moves water in our region. Did you know: South Florida has an interconnected drainage system, and flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the District, county and city governments, local drainage districts, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and residents?  

Moving one of the engines into the S-5A Pump Station (1954).

Pump stations are one of the most critical tools in our toolbox when it comes to moving water in South Florida. Did you know that the South Florida Water Management District operates nearly 90 pump stations? In this edition, we’re taking a look at one of the oldest and most powerful pump stations in South Florida: the S-5A Pump Station in Palm Beach County.