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.

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?  

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? 

As many Floridians continue to recover from the historic impacts of Hurricane Ian, crews at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) are working around the clock to reduce regional lake levels in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes system and provide relief to impacted communities.

Did you know the SFWMD continues to strategically deploy resources and utilize every structure possible to lower water body levels and move water away from communities?

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is always ready for a major storm event and we are ready for Hurricane Ian. The SFWMD is closely monitoring Hurricane Ian and continues to prepare the District’s water management system for heavy rainfall that is already starting to impact the region.

Did you know there are many precautions that residents can take to help reduce the risk of flooding and allow excess rainwater to drain in their communities? 

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is constantly collecting and analyzing data to assess our region’s water quality and safeguard South Florida’s ecosystem? 

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) operates water management infrastructure to store excess water that can be used in drier conditions? 

Additional storage infrastructure projects like the EAA Reservoir Project, Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir and the C-44 Reservoir will help reduce the harmful discharge of excess water out of the system while storing it for when communities and the environment can use it.

In recognition of Florida Preparedness Month, we are highlighting the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) work to ensure the regional system of canals, levees and water control structures are prepared to handle whatever nature sends our way.

Throughout the year, the SFWMD's Operations and Maintenance staff oversee more than 2,175 miles of canals, 2,130 miles of levees/berms, 915 water control structures, 620 project culverts and 89 pump stations. Moving water to meet varying conditions and needs is essential to sustaining South Florida's people and our environment.

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) proactively develops long-term water supply plans to monitor, evaluate and identify water sources and projects to meet the future water needs throughout its 16-county region?

As part of its mission, the District ensures there are sufficient water supplies to meet the needs of the region’s residents, visitors, and the environment – now and in the future.

Amid the sawgrass marshes and the freshwater ponds of the Everglades, you may spot a tall communication tower on the horizon. Although these structures are often mistaken for cell phone towers, they are actually part of the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) vast data collection and technology network. 

Did you know the District maintains an extensive and complex system of microwave communication towers and scientific monitoring stations that can remotely operate water control structures and transmit important environmental data?