South Florida Water Management District public meetings in 2024

Audit & Finance Committee

The Audit & Finance Committee will review the proposed audit plan for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and a long-term plan through 2030. The body will also receive an investment summary as of October 31, 2024, and reports from the Inspector General.

• Proposed Audit Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
• Long-Term Audit Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2030
• Summary of Investments as of October 31, 2024
• Inspector General Monitoring Review of Construction Change Orders
• Inspector General Audit of Department of Motor Vehicles File Security

December 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board is deciding on the adoption of a five-year strategic plan and various land and infrastructure projects. The meeting includes votes on water treatment equipment, dredging services, and software implementation. Board members will also discuss progress on sending water south via the Central Everglades Planning Project South Phase.

• C-38S Aquifer Storage and Recovery membrane equipment contracts not to exceed $13,238,000
• STA-2 Cell 1 Spreader Canal Maintenance Dredging contract with Ryan Incorporated Civil for $4,540,380
• Sherpa Budget software subscription and implementation contract totaling $2,127,409
• S-9 Pump Station temporary pumps purchase order amendment not to exceed $908,950
• Acquisition of 1.0 acres in the Pal Mar project in Martin County for $16,000

Resiliency Coordination Forum

The District is hosting a forum to discuss resiliency updates and strategies. The meeting includes presentations from state, local, and federal partners regarding flood and saltwater intrusion monitoring.

• Saltwater Intrusion Monitoring Update
• Resilient Jacksonville interdisciplinary strategy presentation
• Central and Southern Florida Flood Resiliency Study and Integration Studies updates
• Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation workgroup updates

The forum served as a coordination meeting to share updates on flood vulnerability assessments, saltwater intrusion monitoring, and regional resiliency projects. No formal votes or legislative decisions were recorded; the session focused on reporting progress and inter-agency collaboration.

Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program (NEEPP)

The South Florida Water Management District, DEP, and FDACS are holding a joint public workshop. The meeting consists of progress updates and presentations regarding the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program (NEEPP).

• DEP update on Water Quality Restoration Program
• FDACS update on Agricultural Water Policy
• SFWMD update on Watershed Construction Projects
• Update on the NEEPP and Regional Simulation Model

Everglades Technical Oversight Committee (TOC)

The Everglades Technical Oversight Committee will meet to review the Second Quarter of Calendar Year 2024 Settlement Agreement Report. The committee will also receive an update on the S-333 Working Group and discuss 2025 meeting dates.

• Approval of October 1, 2024 meeting summary
• Second Quarter of Calendar Year 2024 Settlement Agreement Report
• S-333 Working Group Update
• Discussion of 2025 quarterly meeting dates

November 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board meets to vote on five-year cattle grazing lease extensions on 18,466 acres across Okeechobee, Osceola, and Polk counties, land acquisitions in Orange County, and major contracts including mowing services, a flight operations facility, and IT upgrades. The board also considers a settlement agreement in a closed session.

• Authorize five-year cattle grazing lease extensions with 441 Cattle, LLC on 4,466.34 acres in Okeechobee County for $81,000 annual revenue
• Authorize six five-year cattle grazing lease extensions on 14,000 acres in Osceola and Polk counties for $103,000 combined annual revenue
• Approve $148,000 purchase of 3.70 acres in Shingle Creek Project, Orange County
• Amend mowing contract with CM Harris, Inc. to add 3,250 acres for $332,832.50
• Authorize $3,144,588 amendment for Phase Two site development of Operations Facility in Palm Beach County

Reception/Public Event

Members of the Governing Board will attend a public reception at the Clewiston Museum. No official action will be taken by the Board during this event.

• Public reception at Clewiston Museum, 109 Central Avenue

Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Flood Resiliency Study

The South Florida Water Management District is conducting a project planning meeting regarding the Central and Southern Florida Flood Resiliency Study for Broward Basins. The session focuses on the Section 203 Water Resources Water Development Act of 1986 and the evaluation and modeling tools used for the study.

• Overview of Section 203 Water Resources Water Development Act of 1986
• Introduction to the C&SF Flood Resiliency Study - Broward Basins
• Discussion of evaluation and modelling tools

Recreational Public Forum

The South Florida Water Management District is hosting a public forum to discuss recreational projects and updates. The meeting includes presentations on the Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area and the Grassy Island Bike Club.

• Presentation on Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area
• Presentation by Grassy Island Bike Club
• Recreational project updates from SFWMD Section Leader Dan Cotter

Big Cypress Basin Board

The Big Cypress Basin Board will review progress on several ecosystem restoration and watershed initiatives. The meeting includes reports on saltwater intrusion mapping and current water conditions.

• Picayune Strand Restoration Project update from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Ecosystem Restoration Project update
• Corkscrew Watershed Initiative update
• 5-Year Update on the Lower West Coast Saltwater Intrusion Mapping
• Approval of August 23, 2024 meeting minutes

Lower Kissimmee Basin Water Supply Plan Update

The South Florida Water Management District is conducting a stakeholder meeting to discuss the draft 2024 Lower Kissimmee Basin Water Supply Plan Update. The session includes a review of water resource protection tools and an overview of the draft plan.

• Overview of the Draft 2024 Lower Kissimmee Basin Water Supply Plan Update
• Discussion of Water Resource Protection Tools

October 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board is deciding on several land acquisitions, infrastructure contracts, and grant agreements. The meeting includes approvals for flood control projects and emergency orders issued in response to Hurricane Helene.

• Contract for C-23/C-24 RSTA Microwave Tower Project in St. Lucie County for $15,345,000
• Contract for Underground Storage Tank Replacement in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties for $14,272,000
• Purchase offer of $5,350,000 for 1.116 acres for the C-7 Basin Resiliency Project in Miami-Dade County
• Three Resilient Florida Grant agreements totaling approximately $45 million
• Contract for C-44 RSTA Recreation Features Project in Martin County for $2,200,000

Everglades Technical Oversight Committee (TOC)

The Everglades Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) meets to discuss the First Quarter 2024 Settlement Agreement Report and receive an update on the S-333 Working Group. The committee will also follow up on a 2023 water exceedance issue in Shark River Slough.

• Consider approval of June 25, 2024 meeting summary
• Review First Quarter 2024 Settlement Agreement Report
• Receive S-333 Working Group update
• Discuss Shark River Slough exceedance for Federal Water Year 2023

Final Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Final Millage Rates and Final Budget

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board holds its final public hearing to adopt the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 final millage rates and final budget. The board will certify tax levies for four basins and the Everglades Construction Project, then adopt a $1,630,332,002 budget for the year.

• Adopt District-wide final millage rate of 0.0948 mill
• Adopt Big Cypress Basin final millage rate of 0.0978 mill
• Adopt Okeechobee Basin final millage rate of 0.1026 mill
• Adopt Everglades Construction Project final millage rate of 0.0327 mill
• Adopt final budget of $1,630,332,002 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025

Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Tentative Ad Valorem Millage Rates, Non Ad Valorem Tax Rolls, and Tentative Budget

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will hold a public hearing to adopt tentative millage rates for four basins and a $1.63 billion budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. Residents may comment on the proposed rates and budget before votes on six resolutions.

• Adopt District-wide millage rate of 0.0948 mill
• Adopt Big Cypress Basin millage rate of 0.0978 mill
• Adopt Okeechobee Basin millage rate of 0.1026 mill
• Adopt Everglades Construction Project millage rate of 0.0327 mill
• Approve $1,630,332,002 tentative budget for FY 2024-2025

September 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board is reviewing several land acquisitions, environmental research agreements, and infrastructure contracts. Key decisions include the refurbishment of critical flood control structures and the release of conservation easements.

• Contract with Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc. for STA-1W Structure Refurbishments in Palm Beach County for $60,752,471
• Contract with Janus Research, Inc. for cultural resource surveys not to exceed $5,000,000
• Agreement with Archbold Expeditions DBA Buck Island Ranch for monitoring and outreach not to exceed $1,835,688
• Grounds maintenance contract with Inshape Maintenance, Inc. not to exceed $1,063,150
• Acquisition of 1.0 acres in the Pal Mar project in Martin County for $14,000

Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Schedule Open House and National Environmental Policy Act Scoping Meeting #2

The South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers host an open house and NEPA scoping meeting to discuss the Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Schedule. The event includes an overview of the restoration project, a presentation on the NEPA process, and a public comment period.

• Kissimmee River Restoration Project Headwaters Revitalization Schedule Overview
• NEPA Process presentation by USACE Biologist Richard Skinker
• Public comments session

Resiliency Coordination Forum

The South Florida Water Management District is convening a forum to discuss resiliency updates and flood readiness. The meeting includes reports on Hurricane Ian and the Central and Southern Florida Flood Resiliency Study.

• Hurricane Ian After Action Summary from the Florida Division of Emergency Management
• City of Hollywood Stormwater and Coastal Master Plan presentation
• Central and Southern Florida Flood Resiliency Study updates from USACE and SFWMD
• King Tide and Wet Season Readiness briefing
• Statewide Office of Resilience update

Community Meeting for the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area

The South Florida Water Management District is holding an in-person open house to discuss the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area Project. No formal presentation will take place; staff will be available to answer questions and receive public comments.

• Public discussion of the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area Project

Community Meeting for the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area

The South Florida Water Management District is hosting an in-person open house to discuss the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area Project. Staff will be available to answer questions and receive public comments; no formal presentation is scheduled.

• Open house for the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area Project

Big Cypress Basin Board

The Big Cypress Basin Board will meet to vote on two resolutions: one setting the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 millage rate at 0.0978 mills and another submitting a $22,006,945 basin budget to the South Florida Water Management District. The board will also hear staff reports on water conditions, financials, and field station activities, along with presentations on Lake Trafford restoration and Picayune Strand ecological projects.

• Approve $22,006,945 Fiscal Year 2024-2025 basin budget (Resolution BCBB 2024-0802)
• Set 0.0978 mill tax rate for Basin funding (Resolution BCBB 2024-0801)
• Lake Trafford Aquatic Enhancement presentation
• Picayune Strand Restoration plant and fauna update
• Bird Rookery Swamp Boardwalk Replacement discussion

August 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will decide on multiple land acquisitions, exchanges, and contracts totaling over $16 million. Items include purchasing 11.18 acres in Orange County for $563,000, approving a $10.7M emergency response equipment package for hurricane season, and awarding a $16.2M contract for site preparation on the C-25 Reservoir project in St. Lucie County.

• Approve $563K purchase of 11.18 acres in Shingle Creek Project, Orange County
• Authorize $10.7M emergency response equipment for 2024 hurricane season
• Award $16.2M contract to Ryan Incorporated Southern for C-25 Reservoir site prep in St. Lucie County
• Approve $5.96M contract for Caloosahatchee Reservoir water quality treatment in Hendry County
• Authorize $6.69M communications tower project in Collier County

Lower East Coast Water Supply Plan Update

The South Florida Water Management District is holding its third stakeholder meeting to discuss the draft 2023-2024 Lower East Coast Water Supply Plan Update. The agenda includes an overview of the draft plan and a detailed presentation on the Lake Okeechobee Minimum Flow and Minimum Water Level (MFL) Recovery Strategy, covering history, regional modeling, and analyses of simulated exceedances and violations. The meeting is informational, with no votes or decisions scheduled.

• Overview of draft 2023-2024 Lower East Coast Water Supply Plan Update
• Lake Okeechobee MFL Recovery Strategy evaluation and analysis
• Regional modeling and simulations presentation
• Analyses of simulated MFL exceedances and violations
• Next steps discussion

Audit & Finance Committee

The Audit & Finance Committee of the South Florida Water Management District is meeting to review investment summaries, inspector general audit reports on construction change orders and land sales proceeds, and the results of a request for proposals for auditing services. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Summary of investments as of May 31, 2024
• Monitoring review of construction change orders
• Audit of land sales proceeds
• Results of RFP for auditing services

July 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board will vote on consent agenda items including land acquisition, several critical flood control infrastructure contracts, and a health care contract renewal. The most consequential item is a $99.4 million contract for the G-6A pump station, which will improve flood control and reduce reliance on the S-6 pump station.

• Acquire 5 parcels (3.75 acres) in Pal Mar, Martin County for $60,000
• Award $99,448,892 contract to Harry Pepper & Associates for G-6A Pump Station
• Award $9,572,000 contract to Douglas N. Higgins for S-169 demolition/manatee structure
• Approve $8,768,968.13 change order for S-9/S-9A trash rake and pump refurbishments
• Approve $1,610,983.47 purchase of four Flygt pumps for S-25B/S-26

2024 Aquifer Storage and Recovery Science Plan Peer Review Panel

The South Florida Water Management District's Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Science Plan Peer Review Panel meets via Zoom to hear technical presentations on core and aquifer pump tests, geochemistry, seismic surveys, and USGS studies of fracture porosity. The panel also reviews ecological risk assessment plans and monitoring results, plus treatment technology updates for the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project. Public comment periods are scheduled, and the meeting closes with remarks on expected progress over the next two years.

• Continuous core and aquifer pump test results presented by Stantec
• Geochemistry of C38s, L63N, and L63 continuous cores by Florida Gulf Coast University
• USGS multi-well assessment of fracture porosity for future ASR wells in northern Lake Okeechobee
• Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project (LOWRP) ASR treatment system update by Stantec
• ASR ecological risk assessment pre-operational monitoring Year 1 results

Big Cypress Basin Board

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to consider its FY2024-25 proposed tentative budget and millage rate, along with approving prior meeting minutes. The agenda also includes informational presentations on oyster health in Southwest Florida and the benefits of prescribed fire for the Picayune Strand Restoration Project. Staff reports on field station activity, water conditions, and monthly finances will be presented.

• Fiscal Year 2024-2025 proposed tentative budget and millage rate submission
• Presentation on factors affecting oyster health and distribution in Southwest Florida
• Presentation on benefits of prescribed fire for the Picayune Strand Restoration Project
• Approval of minutes from April 26, 2024 meeting
• Monthly financial report and water conditions report

Corkscrew Watershed Initiative Public Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District is holding the first public meeting for the Corkscrew Watershed Initiative. The agenda includes introductions, background, project scope, and stakeholder input. This is a public meeting to discuss the initiative, with time for public comment.

• Public meeting on Corkscrew Watershed Initiative
• Held at Collier County Heritage Bay Government Services Center, 15450 Collier Boulevard, Naples, FL
• Includes project background and scope presentations
• Interactive stakeholder input and public comment session

Recreational Public Forum

The South Florida Water Management District is holding a recreational public forum to discuss updates on the Green Heart of the Everglades property and draft interim land management plan, CEPP North and L-5 Canal improvements, stormwater treatment area updates including the 2024-2025 waterfowl and alligator hunting season, and recreation project and facility design updates. The meeting includes presentations from district staff and the Florida Paddling Trails Association, followed by open discussion on future topics.

• Green Heart of the Everglades property and draft interim land management plan update
• CEPP North overview and L-5 Canal improvements
• STA waterfowl and alligator 2024-2025 hunting season updates
• Recreation project and facility design updates
• Florida Paddling Trails Association presentation

June 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board will vote on consent agenda items including land exchanges, cattle grazing lease extensions, and several capital improvement contracts for flood control infrastructure. Key actions include approving a $3.997M contract for the B1 Building underground storage tank and emergency generator replacement, a $9.997M contract for the G-335 trash rake replacement and waterproofing, and a $10M increase to professional engineering services contracts. The meeting also includes routine items like minutes approval and employee recognitions.

• Resolution 2024-0601: Exchange 2.95 acres with Creekside CDD for access easement and $2M bridge construction (Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area)
• Resolution 2024-0606: $3,997,000 contract to Expert Construction Managers for B1 Building tank/generator replacement
• Resolution 2024-0607: $9,997,832 contract to Harry Pepper & Associates for G-335 trash rake replacement and waterproofing
• Resolution 2024-0608: Increase engineering services contracts by $10,000,000 (total $60M)
• Resolutions 2024-0602 to 0605: Five- and ten-year cattle grazing lease extensions in Glades and St. Lucie counties

The Governing Board approved significant funding for the C-43 Reservoir and several critical flood control infrastructure contracts. The Board also extended multiple cattle grazing leases and updated procurement policies.

• Approved $60M additional budgetary authority for C-43 Caloosahatchee Basin Storage Reservoir (Unanimous)
• Approved $5M contract amendment for Kirwin Norris, P.A. regarding C-43 Reservoir litigation (Unanimous)
• Approved $9,997,832 contract with Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc. for G-335 Trash Rake Replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved $3,997,000 contract with Expert Construction Managers, Inc. for B-1 Building infrastructure (Unanimous)
• Approved $10M increase across seven professional engineering services contracts (Unanimous)
• Approved five-year cattle grazing lease extensions for C 2 Ranch, Inc. and Byron & Janet P. Storey (Unanimous)
• Approved ten-year cattle grazing lease extensions for Brewer Cattle Company, LLC and Diamond 3 Cattle Company, LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved changes to delegated authority for procurement and contracting under District Policy (Unanimous)

Reception/Public Event

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is holding a public reception at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. No official board action will be taken at this event; it is purely a meet-and-greet opportunity for the public.

• Public reception at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, 890 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL
• Free parking and no cost to attend
• No Governing Board action will be taken

Site Visit

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is holding a site visit to the C-44 Project area. No Governing Board action will be taken at this visit. The agenda is procedural, with no decisions or discussions scheduled.

• Site visit to C-44 Project area
• No Governing Board action will be taken
• Contact Kathryn LaMartina at 772-678-9872 for attendance

Lunch & Learn

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is holding an informational Lunch & Learn workshop on its resiliency initiatives, including the draft Sea Level Rise and Flood Resiliency Plan. The session is educational only, and no decisions will be made by the board. Topics include flood protection level of service and climate change impacts on water infrastructure.

• Draft Sea Level Rise and Flood Resiliency Plan presented
• Flood Protection Level of Service Program update
• District resiliency initiatives overview
• Public comment period

May 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will vote on consent agenda items including land exchanges, easement releases, and a $160 million contract package for ground application services. The board will also consider designating the 6,300-acre C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area in Martin County for public recreation and hunting, and approve an amendment to a local funding agreement with FDOT for the CEPP EAA US-27 Bridges project.

• Resolution 2024-0505: Authorize up to $160,000,000 in three-year work order contracts with ten firms for ground application services
• Resolution 2024-0504: Designate C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area (approx. 6,300 acres, Martin County) as a Stormwater Treatment Area and authorize FWC to establish public hunting and alligator harvest
• Resolution 2024-0506: Amend Local Funding Agreement with FDOT for US-27 Bridges design, increasing financial assistance by $232,080 to total $1,950,133
• Resolution 2024-0503: Release canal and road reservations in Palm Beach County for two properties, with release value payments of $249,702.57 and $645,956.04
• Resolution 2024-0502: Convey 0.28 acres to City of Lauderhill at no cost for stormwater infrastructure

Big Cypress Basin Board

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to discuss routine administrative items and receive staff reports. Key agenda items include updates on the communications tower capital project, basin land management projects, and adapting to future rainfall projections in South Florida. The board will also hear technical reports on field station activity and water conditions, along with the monthly financial report.

• Capital Project Update for the Communications Tower
• Overview of Basin Land Management Projects
• Adapting to Future Rainfall Projections in South Florida
• Field Station Activity Report
• Water Conditions Report

April 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes acquiring land for the Shingle Creek headwaters, terminating easements for the C-25 Reservoir, and awarding a $59.4 million contract for the C-23/24 South Reservoir Project. The board will also consider several change orders and an agreement to allow a cell tower in Wellington.

• Acquire 13.69 acres in Shingle Creek Project Area for $684,500
• Terminate easements for C-25 Reservoir for $3,862,500
• Award $59,431,000 contract to Phillips & Jordan for C-23/24 South Reservoir Package 1
• Approve Change Order No. 2 for C-23 Estuary Discharge Diversion for $803,518.12
• Approve $6,068,741 amendment for Clewiston Field Station IT and Microwave Tower

The Governing Board approved several land acquisitions, infrastructure contracts, and a $59.4M reservoir project in St. Lucie County. The Board also authorized $15M for science and technology support services across six private firms and proclaimed April as Water Conservation Month.

• Approved $59.4M contract with Phillips & Jordan, Inc. for C23/24 South Reservoir Project Package 1
• Authorized $15M for Science and Technology Support Services contracts with six private firms
• Approved $3.86M for Indian River Lagoon - South Project easement acquisitions (Unanimous)
• Approved $6.07M amendment for Clewiston Field Station IT Facility and Microwave Tower construction
• Authorized $803,518.12 Change Order No. 2 for C-23 Estuary Discharge Diversion
• Approved $3.3M Change Order No. 7 for S-9 and S-9A Trash Rake and Pump Station Refurbishments
• Approved agreement with Village of Wellington to allow a cell tower on 0.35 acres
• Proclaimed April 2024 as Water Conservation Month

SFWMD Leasing Corp. Annual Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Leasing Corp. will hold its annual meeting to ratify officers and review the annual budget report. The agenda includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes, officer ratification, and a budget report. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Ratification of officers: President Chauncey Goss, Vice President Scott Wagner, Secretary Drew Bartlett, Treasurer John P. Mitnik
• Annual Budget Report for FY 2024-2025 with total debt service of $30,269,875
• Approval of minutes from April 13, 2023 meeting

Special Meetings

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is attending a reception hosted by the Economic Council of Okeechobee. No board action or vote will occur at this event; it is purely a social gathering.

• Reception at Historic Bank of Okeechobee, 110 NW 5th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL

Recreational Public Forum

The South Florida Water Management District is holding a recreational public forum to discuss public use projects and recreational opportunities at Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee Preserve State Park. A key item is the Green Heart of the Everglades Property, where staff will present a draft land management plan and public use plan, along with next steps. The forum includes updates and discussion of future meeting topics.

• Green Heart of the Everglades Property draft land management plan and public use plan overview
• Public use project updates from SFWMD
• Big Cypress National Preserve recreational opportunities presentation
• Fakahatchee Preserve State Park recreational opportunities presentation
• Summary of public comments on Green Heart of the Everglades Property

March 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will vote on consent and discussion agenda items, including several construction contracts, a lawsuit amendment, and land lease extensions. Key decisions include a $17.5 million contract for the EAA Reservoir Construction Village site improvements and a $2 million design contract for a new Flight Operations Facility.

• Authorize $17,472,645 contract with Ryan Incorporated Southern for EAA Reservoir Construction Village Site Improvements (Palm Beach County)
• Authorize $2,000,000 Phase I design/build contract with State Contracting and Engineering Corp. for Flight Operations Facility (Wellington)
• Approve amendment to lawsuit against C-43 Water Management Builders JV to include surety claim (Performance Bond)
• Authorize $8,976,000 contract with ENCO, LLC for Corbett Levee Phase 2 (Palm Beach County)
• Authorize $1,715,557.24 contract with H&R of Belle Glade, Inc. for STA-2 Cell 8 Improvements (Palm Beach County)

Special Meetings

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is holding a public hearing to adopt tentative millage (property tax) rates and a $1,150,346,196 tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The board will vote on several resolutions setting rates for the district-wide, Big Cypress Basin, Okeechobee Basin, and Everglades Construction Project, and will certify agricultural privilege tax rolls. This is a required step before final adoption.

• Tentative budget of $1,150,346,196 for FY 2021-2022
• District-wide tentative millage rate of 0.1061 mill
• Big Cypress Basin tentative millage rate of 0.1116 mill
• Okeechobee Basin tentative millage rate of 0.1146 mill
• Everglades Construction Project tentative millage rate of 0.0365 mill

September 2021 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board will consider acquiring three parcels in Collier County for the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve for $157,500, plus associated costs. The board will also vote on a temporary construction easement in Miami-Dade County for $8,000, approve several software and IT contracts totaling over $1.4 million, and certify the annual regulatory plan.

Special Meetings

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is holding a public hearing to adopt the final millage rates and the $1,150,346,196 budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. The board will vote on five resolutions setting tax rates for the district-wide, Big Cypress Basin, Okeechobee Basin, and Everglades Construction Project, and on a resolution recognizing state appropriations. This is a routine annual budget adoption meeting.

• Adopt district-wide final millage rate of 0.1061 mill (Resolution 2021-0924)
• Adopt Big Cypress Basin final millage rate of 0.1116 mill (Resolution 2021-0925)
• Adopt Okeechobee Basin final millage rate of 0.1146 mill (Resolution 2021-0926)
• Adopt Everglades Construction Project millage rate of 0.0365 mill (Resolution 2021-0927)
• Adopt final budget of $1,150,346,196 for FY 2021-2022 (Resolution 2021-0928)

Special Meeting

This is a special meeting of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, consisting solely of a reception hosted by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. The agenda states that no Governing Board action or vote will be taken at this event, making it purely procedural and social in nature.

• Reception hosted by Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation at Bailey Homestead Preserve, 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL

Special Meetings

This is the annual meeting of the South Florida Water Management District Leasing Corp. The board will approve minutes, ratify officers, and review the annual budget report. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive policy decisions listed.

• Ratification of officers: President Chauncey Goss, Vice President Scott Wagner, Secretary Drew Bartlett, Treasurer John P. Mitnik
• Annual Budget Report for FY 2022-2023: total debt service $30,312,125 (General Capital Fund $13,548,611; Everglades Restoration Trust Capital Fund $16,763,514)
• Approval of minutes from May 13, 2021 meeting
• Public comment period

Special Meetings

This is a special meeting of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, consisting of a public reception with no official business. The agenda states that no Governing Board action will be taken, and the only listed items are opening remarks by Chairman Chauncey Goss and additional remarks by Cheryl Meads.

• Public reception at Hawks Cay, Dolphin Landing & Dolphin Deck, 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, FL
• No Governing Board action will be taken
• Free parking and no cost to attend

February 2020 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to discuss and vote on several water quality and restoration projects, including Lake Trafford eelgrass planting and mechanical harvesting, and a filter marsh expansion. They will also hear updates on Collier County impaired water bodies and watershed restoration, and discuss the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2020-2021.

• Voting item: Lake Trafford Eelgrass Planting and Habitat Restoration Project with Florida Gulf Coast University
• Voting item: Lake Trafford Eelgrass Planting and Habitat Restoration Project with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Voting item: Lake Trafford Mechanical Harvesting Project with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Voting item: Filter Marsh Expansion Project for Improved Water Quality with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
• Collier County FY2019/2020 Stormwater Maintenance Work Plan Approval and $1M Payment (Agreement OT040622)

May 2020 Big Cypress Creek Basin

The Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District is meeting to discuss the tentative budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 and receive updates on capital plans, water conditions, and financial reports. The agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes and public comment periods. No final decisions are indicated; items are for discussion and updates.

• Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Tentative Budget Discussion
• Capital Plan Update
• Water Conditions Report
• Monthly Financial Report
• Approval of February 21, 2020 meeting minutes

August 2021 Big Cypress Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to consider approving the minutes from the July 9, 2021 meeting, hear updates on the Picayune Strand Restoration Project and flood resiliency initiatives, and vote on resolutions approving the FY2021-22 budget of $17,442,227 and a rolled-back millage rate of 0.1116 mills. The agenda also includes reports on capital projects, field station activities, water conditions, and financial status.

• Resolution BCBB 2021-0801: Approve rolled-back millage rate of 0.1116 mill for FY2021-2022
• Resolution BCBB 2021-0802: Submit FY2021-22 Basin budget of $17,442,227
• Picayune Strand Restoration Project update by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Big Cypress Basin Flood Resiliency Initiatives presentation
• Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Presentation

October 2021 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District is meeting to discuss several water-management topics, including a preliminary budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, a water quality siting analysis for the Picayune watershed, and a proposed communication tower to enhance flood-control communications. The board will also receive updates on the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, field station activities, and water conditions. The meeting is open to the public and includes time for public comment.

• Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget Discussion
• Picayune Watershed Water Quality Siting Analysis
• Proposed Communication Tower for Enhanced Communications for Flood Control
• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Update
• Approval of Minutes for August 26, 2021 Board Meeting

July 2021 Big Cypress Basin Board

The Board will review the proposed tentative budget and millage rates for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The meeting also includes updates on the Lake Trafford Restoration Project and various staff reports.

• Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Proposed Tentative Budget and Millage Rates
• Lake Trafford Restoration Project Updates
• Field Station Activity Report
• Water Conditions Report

February 2021 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District is meeting to discuss several items, including a modeling update for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a proposed boundary modification, capital project updates, and a preliminary budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. The board will also consider approving a stormwater maintenance work plan with Collier County and a $1 million payment.

• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Modeling Update
• Big Cypress Basin Boundary Modification
• Big Cypress Basin Budget FY 2021-2022 Preliminary Update
• Collier County FY 2021-2022 Stormwater Maintenance Work Plan Approval and $1M Payment (Agreement OT040622)
• Lease to Collier County

April 2021 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District is meeting to consider a reallocation of its FY2020-2021 capital plan, receive updates on water quality in Collier County and the Picayune Watershed, and review routine reports. The agenda includes public comment periods and approval of previous minutes. Most items are informational or routine, with the capital plan reallocation being the main action item.

• Consideration of Big Cypress Basin FY2020-2021 Capital Plan Reallocation
• Collier County Water Quality Update
• Picayune Watershed Water Quality Feasibility Study
• Field Station Security Update
• Approval of February 25, 2021 meeting minutes

November 2020 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District is meeting to discuss restoration project updates, including the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, and to review the preliminary Fiscal Year 2021-2022 capital plan and budget. The agenda includes updates on water quality, boundary studies, and regional partnership projects, as well as routine reports on field station activity, water conditions, and finances.

• Picayune Strand Restoration Project: construction updates for Southwest Protection Feature and Faka Union Canal plugging
• Exotic Vegetation Management Plan for Picayune Strand
• Picayune Watershed Water Quality Feasibility Study update
• Big Cypress Basin Boundary Study update
• Preliminary Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Plan and Budget review

July 2020 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District will meet to consider approving the minutes from the May 22, 2020 meeting, discuss invasive vegetation management, and establish the tentative millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2020-2021. The agenda also includes technical and staff reports on field station activities, water conditions, and finances, as well as an update on the Golden Gate Main Canal vegetation removal project.

• Establish Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Tentative Millage Rate and Budget
• Impacts and Management of Invasive and Nuisance Vegetation in the Big Cypress Basin
• Golden Gate Main Canal Vegetation Removal Project Update
• Consider Approval of the Minutes for the May 22, 2020 Meeting
• Monthly Financial Report

August 2020 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to consider approving its Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget of $14,315,680 and a rolled-back millage rate of 0.1152 mills for ad valorem taxes. The board will also receive updates on groundwater modeling, vegetation removal, and capital projects. The meeting includes routine items like minutes approval and public comment periods.

• Resolution BCBB 2020-0801: Approve rolled-back millage rate of 0.1152 mills for FY 2020-2021
• Resolution BCBB 2020-0802: Submit FY 2020-21 Basin budget of $14,315,680 to Governing Board
• Groundwater Modeling Update for Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan
• Vegetation Removal Program Overview
• Big Cypress Basin Capital Plan Project Update

Lunch & Learn

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is holding a Lunch & Learn workshop to provide an overview of the Release of Reservations process. This session is informational only, and no decisions will be made by the board. The agenda includes a presentation by staff, public comment, and board discussion.

• Overview of the Release of Reservations process
• Presentation by Marcy Zehnder and Jennifer Reynolds
• Public comment period
• Board discussion

Big Cypress Basin Board

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to discuss routine business, including approval of prior minutes, a basin administrator's report on the Corkscrew Watershed Initiative, and public comment. Key items include a mowing reduction pilot study and a 5-year Capital Improvement Program update. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 27, 2023 meeting
• Corkscrew Watershed Initiative kickoff report
• Big Cypress Basin Mowing Reduction Pilot Study
• Capital Improvement Program 5-Year Update
• Monthly Financial Report and Preliminary Budget Discussion

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 27, 2023, meeting. Other agenda items consisted of staff reports and discussions regarding watershed initiatives, mowing studies, and capital improvements.

• Approved October 27, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

August 2019 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to consider approving the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget of $13,984,146 and a rolled-back millage rate of 0.1192, along with updates on restoration and monitoring projects. The board will also approve minutes, hear public comment, and receive staff reports.

• Resolution BCBB 2019-0801: Approve rolled-back millage rate of 0.1192 for FY 2019-20
• Resolution BCBB 2019-0802: Submit FY 2019-20 Basin budget of $13,984,146
• Update on Picayune Strand Restoration Project Southwest Protection Feature by USACE
• Ground Water Seepage Monitoring Project update for Lake Trafford
• Big Cypress Basin Capital Plan Project update

October 2019 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several water management items, including a regional water quality monitoring update, a five-year saltwater intrusion map update, and a water supply plan update. The board will also discuss the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 draft preliminary budget, including the capital plan and fleet plan, and consider approval of the 2020 meeting dates. The agenda includes routine items like approval of minutes and public comment periods.

• Collier County Regional Water Quality Monitoring update
• Five-Year Salt Water Intrusion Map Update
• Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan Update
• Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Regional Partnership Projects
• Big Cypress Basin Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Draft Preliminary Budget Discussion

July 2019 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to consider routine administrative items, including approval of prior meeting minutes, and to receive updates on coastal adaptation research and Florida Gulf Coast University water studies. The board will also vote on adopting a new water control structure (Curry 1) as a Works of the Basin and establish the tentative millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2019-2020.

• Adoption of Resolution BCBB 2019-0701 to accept water control structure CUR1 in Collier County as Works of the Basin
• Establish tentative millage rate and budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
• Update on Adaptation of Coastal Urban and Natural Ecosystems (ACUNE 2.0) for future storms and sea level rise
• Overview of current research by the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University
• Approval of minutes from January 25 and April 25 meetings

Governing Board Reception

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will attend a public reception. No official board action will be taken during this meeting.

• Public reception at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

February 2024 Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes several contracts and agreements, notably a $1 million sole-source contract for a backup controller system for flood control structures, a $1.14 million crane refurbishment at the S-8 Pump Station, and a $12.84 million amendment for the Okeechobee Field Station relocation. The board will also consider amendments to research agreements and mowing contracts. The meeting includes routine items like employee recognitions and approval of previous minutes.

• Resolution 2024-0201: $1,000,000 sole-source contract with Pantropic Power for Back Up Controller System
• Resolution 2024-0202: $1,140,465 contract with Accurate Welding Services for S-8 Pump Station crane refurbishment
• Resolution 2024-0203: $12,839,904 amendment to Okeechobee Field Station design-build contract
• Resolution 2024-0204: $4,452,676 amendment for Aquifer Storage and Recovery well studies
• Resolution 2024-0206/0207: Mowing contracts with Brightview Landscape Services ($705,127.50) and Toler Enterprises ($663,586)

The Governing Board approved a series of professional engineering contracts totaling up to $500 million for restoration and operations projects. The Board also passed a consent agenda authorizing multiple infrastructure contracts, research agreements, and mowing services.

• Approved $500M for 17 professional engineering services contracts (Unanimous)
• Approved $1M contract with Pantropic Power, Inc. for Back Up Controller System
• Approved $1,140,465 agreement with Accurate Welding Services, LLC for crane refurbishment
• Approved $12,839,904 amendment for Okeechobee Field Station Relocation Project
• Approved $4,701,114 total for ASR Well studies with US Army Corps of Engineers
• Approved $705,127.50 mowing contract with Brightview Landscape Services, Inc.
• Approved $663,586 slope mowing contract with Toler Enterprises, Inc.
• Approved $279,000 research agreement with Florida International University

April 2019 Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting

The Big Cypress Basin Board is meeting to discuss and receive updates on water quality improvement projects in Naples, Collier County, and Marco Island, including septic-to-sewer conversions and stormwater improvements. The agenda also includes updates on canal maintenance, capital projects, and the budget. The meeting is open to the public.

• City of Naples Septic to Sewer Program and Stormwater Improvement Projects
• Collier County Water Quality Improvement Projects
• Marco Island Isles of Capri Septic Conversion and Stormwater Projects
• Big Cypress Basin Canal Shoal and Tree Removal Project Update
• Budget Update